Jharkhand Adivasi leaders call for boycott of RSS-linked tribal conclave
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More than 100 Adivasi leaders, academics, activists, and representatives of mass organisations from Jharkhand have appealed to tribal communities to boycott a tribal conclave scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 24.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the signatories described the “Janjati Sanskritik Samagam” as “yet another conspiracy” against the independent identity of Adivasis. The event is being organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch.
The statement alleged that the organisation is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, and accused them of attempting to weaken the distinct social and cultural identity of Adivasi communities.
Among those who signed the statement were former Jharkhand minister Geetashree Oraon and former MLA Mangal Singh Bobonga, along with several tribal leaders and activists.
A number of organisations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Samiti, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, and Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha, also endorsed the appeal.
The statement claimed the organisations behind the conclave avoid using the term “Adivasi” and instead use terms such as “Janjati” and “Vanvasi”. The signatories alleged these groups seek to place Adivasis within the broader Hindu social framework and have promoted slogans such as “Sarna Sanatan Ek”.
The leaders also accused the organisations of supporting the delisting of Christian Adivasis from the Scheduled Tribes list and opposing demands for a separate Sarna Code.
The statement further alleged that the RSS goal of establishing a “Hindu Rashtra” would marginalise minorities and vulnerable communities.
The signatories urged people across Jharkhand to boycott the event and organise rallies, meetings, and public discussions in protest.