Shah Reaffirms Tribal Rights, Slams Divisive Forces

Speaking at the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam in the capital, Home Minister Amit Shah called the event a landmark moment that showcases tribal unity and cultural pride on the 150th anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He recalled how Birsa’s Ulgulan movement had challenged colonial power across vast regions despite limited communication, establishing a legacy of protecting jal, jungle, and pahad as pillars of tribal existence. Shah noted that tribal societies have long practiced unity in diversity without written rules, a principle now enshrined in the Constitution. He directly addressed concerns over the Uniform Civil Code, assuring that no tribal tradition or right will be affected and that explicit exemptions already exist in states where UCC has been implemented. The minister also highlighted the government’s success in neutralizing Naxalism, transforming 70 former security camps into service delivery hubs, and significantly increasing funding for tribal development. He credited the Modi administration with creating a dedicated PESA cell, training over one lakh master trainers, and translating rules into multiple tribal languages for better grassroots governance. Shah urged communities to reject attempts to create division and instead focus on building a self-reliant and prosperous India rooted in cultural confidence.