By TC News Desk
Agartala, December 26: Expressing concern about the potential impact of conversion on folk culture, a member of the Jana Suraksha Mancha central committee and district judge of Madhya Pradesh, Prakash Singh Uikey forewarned that if efforts to prevent conversions fail, the authentic folk culture of the community may be relegated to museums.
The occasion was marked by a rally organized by Janjati Suraksha Manch, focusing on the demand for the cancellation of SC status for converted Janjatis in Tripura. Speakers at the event emphasized the need for robust actions to safeguard the cultural heritage, rituals, and traditional practices of the tribal society in the face of conversions.
Uikey, a prominent figure in the Janjati Suraksha Manch, stressed the importance of countering forces behind conversion to preserve the rich tapestry of folk culture. He cautioned that failure to do so could result in the cultural legacy being consigned to museums.
Bikram Bahadur Jamatia, the convenor of Janjati Suraksha Manch, asserted that reservations for people in the country are based on social and financial backwardness. He argued against the leftist narrative of creating backwardness and highlighted the respect shown by Janjati Samaj to the Swajati Rajas across the nation, including Tripura.
Jamatia argued that constitutional reservations are designed to protect the cultural, ritualistic, and religious practices of the people. He contended that individuals converting to Islam or Christianity are distancing themselves from their cultural roots, implying they may forfeit the benefits associated with Scheduled Caste status.
Despite the significance of the event, the public attendance at the rally fell below the organization’s set target. Singh Uikey addressed the political landscape, expressing confidence that with the repeal of Article 370 by the central government, amending Article 342 would not be a formidable task. He anticipates such a step in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, under a BJP-led government.
