ITANAGAR, 27 May: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) strongly condemned the recent demand raised by the Jan Jati Suraksha Manch in Delhi to delist Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of certain tribal communities on the basis of religion.

The ACF said the demand is against the spirit of the Constitution of India and undermines the historical, cultural, social, and ethnic identity of tribal communities.

“ST recognition is rooted in indigenous identity, customary traditions, geographical isolation, and socio-economic conditions, not on the basis of religious affiliation,” ACF president James Techi Tara said.

He said that the tribal people of India, including those from the North East, have distinct identities, languages, customs, and traditional systems which remain unchanged irrespective of faith or religious practice.

“Any attempt to divide tribal communities on religious lines will threaten social harmony, constitutional values, and the unity of indigenous people,” Tara said.

He further said: “The constitutional safeguards granted to STs are meant to protect vulnerable indigenous communities and preserve their unique heritage.”

 The forum urged the government of India, policy makers, and the authorities concerned to reject any move that discriminates against tribal communities on religious grounds and to uphold the constitutional rights and protections guaranteed to all STs.

It also appealed to all organizations and citizens to maintain peace, mutual respect, and communal harmony, and to work together for the welfare, development, and dignity of all indigenous people of the state.