A leadership meeting of the Adivasi Forum under the Bongiyo Christian Pariseba (BCP) focused on protecting the constitutional rights of tribal communities and planning collective action. The meeting was held on April 9 in Kharagpur and brought together representatives from five districts, including West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, and Burdwan.
BCP founder and state secretary Herod Mullick explained the background of the “de-listing” issue, which questions the status of tribal communities. He said the issue, first raised decades ago, is again gaining attention through various groups and campaigns. He warned that such debates could divide tribal unity and urged people to stay alert and united.
Legal expert Aditya Tewari said tribal identity is based on ethnicity, culture, and geography, not religion. He explained that changing religion does not change a person’s tribal identity, and the Constitution supports this view.
State coordinator Victor Behera also stressed that tribal identity is natural and cannot be removed. He compared it to a river that keeps its identity even when it changes form.
The forum announced several plans until 2026, including digital awareness campaigns, cultural programs, and promotion of tribal languages and traditions. It also called for unity among all Adivasi groups to protect their rights related to land, forest, and livelihood.
More meetings are planned in different parts of West Bengal to continue this effort.
