Stop reservation benefits for people who change religion: Asom Sattra Mahasabha

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Asom Sattra Mahasabha (ASM) has demanded that all reservation-related benefits should be withdrawn from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) persons who convert to a religion other than Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism).

Talking to The Sentinel, ASM's secretary general Kusum Kumar Mahanta said that reservation-related benefits are extended only to ST, SC, OBC, MOBC etc., persons who profess Sanatan Dharma. However, he said, many persons who convert to Christianity, in particular, continue to enjoy the benefits of reservation and other welfare measures. He said that the phenomenon of religious conversion is especially visible in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Karbi Anglong and the Majuli and Morigaon districts.

Mahanta demanded that the ST, SC status granted to such converts must be withdrawn and urged the government to enact a law in this regard. He further stated that the ASM will move the courts of law if this is not done by the government.

Mahanta said that the conversion drives by Christians and Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh have endangered the languages and culture of the indigenous communities of Assam. He said that the "aggression" is taking place in each district of the state. He appealed to the government to take urgent steps to identify those spearheading religious conversions and take remedial steps in this regard.

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