Tribals not Hindus, says ex-MP; demands recognition for Sarna

Bhubaneswar: Tribals under the aegis of Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA) here on Monday demanded recognition of Sarna religion with former Jharkhand MP Salkhan Murmu saying that indigenous people are nature-worshippers and do not belong to any religion.
Addressing a press conference here, Murmu said if the Centre does not take any step by November 20, the tribals will stage rail and road blockades in five states (Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Assam) on November 30 seeking recognition of the religion.
“Many presume that tribals are Hindus, but we are neither Hindus nor Muslims or Christians. Around 50 lakh tribals had put Sarna as their religion in the 2011 census under the ‘any other’ column. But the enumeration form this time doesn’t have the column. Many of our people cannot tell what their religion is. We will withdraw the agitation if the Centre agrees to talk to us or give enough reasons why the tribals have been denied this recognition,” said Murmu.
“Sarna means a place of worship. Our ritual, tradition, culture and belief system are different from others. There is no heaven or hell in our religious system. We request the government to give tribals the fundamental right accorded by Article 25,” said the tribal leader.
They will hold a peaceful demonstration at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday demanding special recognition of Sarna religion. Representatives of ASA from five states will attend the dharna. They will also organise a massive rally September 30 in Kolkata’s Rani Rashmoni Road on this issue.
Murmu said the rail-road blockade will immensely affect the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Assam, where ASA is active in about 50 districts and 250 blocks.
“We do not want to go for this agitation if the Centre and all other authorities fulfil our demand,” he added.