Adivasis must resist getting divided on religious lines: Oraon

Ranchi: Jharkhand Congress president and finance minister Rameshwar Oraon on Monday urged all Adivasis to stay united, advising them not to be misled by anyone or any party which tries to define them by a particular religion.
Addressing a ceremony organsied by the state party unit to felicitate tribal achievers/workers in different sectors on the occasion of World Indigenous Day, Oraon said, “Tribals are one and should remain united.” Without naming any party, he said, “For the past few years, we all know that a particular party is trying to divide tribals into different religious for votebank politics. At times, they equate them with Sanatan and at other times, with Sarna and so on. In states like Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, many tribals are Muslims. But once you are born a tribal, you will always be a tribal. So Adivasis must resist getting divided on religious lines.”
Oraon’s warning is perhaps a pointer to the BJP which often accuses missionaries of converting tribals into Christianity stating that tribals, followers of Sarna, are disciples of Sanatan (Hindu).
He also appealed to the tribals to be vigilant and aware of their rights to jal (water), jangal (forest) and zameen (land). “It was the Congress-led UPA government which brought the Forest Rights Act, PESA law among others to safeguard the rights of tribals and forest dwellers. The coalition government in the state is working in the direction of proper implementation of those laws in toto,” he said.