Ranchi::More than 100 tribal, indigenous, social and mass organization representatives, traditional self-governance leaders, academicians and social activists from Jharkhand have jointly appealed to the tribal community to boycott the Tribal Cultural Conclave scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 24. The programme is being organized by the Janjati Suraksha Manch.
Those who issued the joint statement include former minister Geetashree Oraon, former MLA Mangal Singh Bobonga, Devkinandan Bedia, Kumarchandra Mardi, Gunjal Ikir Munda, Demka Soy, Ramesh Jarai, Rajni Murmu, Nitisha Khalkho, Aloka Kujur, Krishna Mardi, Binsai Munda, Prabal Mahto, Meenakshi Munda, Mukesh Birua, Hari Kumar Bhagat, Dinesh Murmu, Sanika Munda, Jyotsna Tirkey, Sadhu Ho, Sunita Lakra and Jaikishan Godsora among others
Representatives of several organizations, including Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Samiti, Gaon Ganrajya Parishad, Sarna Sangom Samiti, Adivasi Munda Samaj Mahasangh, Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, Adivasi Mulvasi Adhikar Manch (Bokaro), Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal (Ramgarh), Paramparik Gram Sabha Khunti, Adivasi Kshetra Suraksha Parishad, Atuu Susar Samiti, Sanyukt Gram Sabha, Yuva Jhumur, Adivasi Pahan Baba Seva Samiti, Ho Lekhak Sangh, Adivasi Samanvay Samiti, Gram Pradhan Sangh, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, Johar and Omon Mahila Sangathan, have also supported the appeal.
In the statement, the signatories alleged that the basic ideology behind the Tribal Cultural Conclave is anti-tribal in nature. According to the statement, the Janjati Suraksha Manch is associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, and considers tribals as part of the Hindu varna system. It alleged that the organization deliberately uses the terms “Janjati” and “Vanvasi” instead of “Adivasi”.
The statement further alleged that slogans such as “Sarna-Sanatan Ek” are being used to undermine the independent identity of tribal communities. It also accused these organizations of trying to divide tribal society by demanding the delisting of Christian tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category. The signatories claimed that such organizations have opposed the Sarna Code demand and have never stood with tribals in their struggles over jal, jungle and zameen (water, forest and land).
The joint statement also alleged that the RSS aims to transform India into a Hindu nation. It claimed that the ideology of the RSS, Janjati Suraksha Manch and the BJP has faced strong resistance in Jharkhand in recent years, and therefore attempts are being made to weaken the independent identity of tribal communities in the state.
Describing the Tribal Cultural Conclave as part of this larger agenda, the signatories appealed to tribals across Jharkhand to completely boycott the May 24 event and its organizers. They also called for organizing public meetings, discussions and other democratic programmes to register their protest.
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