The Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) has expressed strong opposition to the rally planned by Janajati Suraksha Mancha on Christmas Day, where the demand for delisting converted tribals from Scheduled Tribes (ST) is set to be raised. TSF, a member of the North East Students Association (NESO), has been actively addressing tribal rights issues in Tripura, advocating for causes such as Kokborok language preservation, tribal land rights, and customary laws.
In a statement, President Samrat Debbarma and General Secretary Hamalu Debbarma of TSF urged all stakeholders to uphold principles of equality, justice, and secularism. Emphasizing the fundamental right to freedom of religion, the TSF leaders stated that any attempt to penalize or discriminate against individuals based on their religious beliefs contradicts the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The demand by Janajati Suraksha Mancha to include converted tribals on the Scheduled Tribe list was labeled as “discriminatory” by TSF. The student federation condemned the move, asserting that such a demand would directly violate constitutional rights and the spirit of inclusion that underpins the democratic fabric of the country.
Highlighting the historical marginalization and socio-economic challenges faced by tribal communities, the TSF president warned that introducing “religious criteria” for benefits would not only exacerbate the tribal struggle for rights but also set “dangerous precedents of discrimination.” The statement affirms the commitment of TSF to champion the principles of equality and justice while safeguarding the rights of tribal communities in Tripura.
