Will call to end reservations for the converted break tribal unity in Tripura? 

Agartala: The unity of Tripura’s indigenous people, across all communities, was one of the cornerstones of TIPRA Motha’s success in the assembly elections earlier this year in Tripura. But even as the party continues to negotiate with the state and central government to improve the state’s indigenous population’s conditions, one issue lurking in the background for decades now looks set to gain traction. 

Janajati Suraksha Mancha (JSM), a tribal body believed to be backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has demanded scrapping of the Scheduled Tribe status for tribals who have converted to other faiths, especially Christianity. 

The outfit has also announced a rally on December 25—the day of Christmas—to press for their demand of delisting the tribal people who converted to Christianity. The RSS, however, clarified that the JSM is not affiliated with them. “They are an independent body working for the welfare of the tribal communities”, an RSS spokesman told EastMojo. According to the Janajati Suraksha Mancha, their demand is valid and constitutional. However, opposition parties have branded the move as an attempt to create a religious divide among the tribals.