Raipur, Chhattisgarh – Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma has made a bold statement regarding the tribal community, stating that they are not Hindus and that a separate religion code should be created for them. Speaking at the Scheduled Tribes Conference organized at Shaheed Smarak Bhavan in Raipur, Lakhma emphasized that the tribal society is planning to meet the President on April 20 to make this demand.
Lakhma compared the demand for a separate code for tribals with the existing separate code for Jainism, stating that it is necessary for the tribal community. He further explained that the natives in Chhattisgarh are mostly tribals who protect the forests and the mountains, and a separate code would ensure their distinct identity.
The PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act was implemented in Chhattisgarh last year on the occasion of World Tribal Day. Lakhma urged the Scheduled Tribes Commission to work towards improving the act and promoting social unity for the welfare of the tribal society.
The commission has assured that it will convey the suggestions of the tribal community to the government. Lakhma and the tribal society will appeal to the President for a separate religion code in Delhi on April 20.
