Ranchi, Aug 19 (IANS) Six tribal organisations in Jharkhand have called for a strike Tuesday to protest the Delimitation Commission of India’s (DCI) recommendation to reduce the number of reserved seats for tribals in the state assembly and Lok Sabha.
As per DCI’S recommendation, the total number of reserved tribal seats in the assembly would be reduced from 28 to 21 and from six to five in the Lok Sabha.
“We have called a strike Tuesday to protest the DCI recommendation. A meeting of tribal scholars and different tribal organisations has been called on Sep 2 to discuss the issue and chalk out the future course of action,” said Jagdish Lohra, president of Adivasi Janadhikar Manch (AJM).
The strike has been supported by Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch, Praha Raja Association, Manjhi Parganaet Association, Dokol Sohor Mahasamittee, Adivasi Moolvasi Janadhikar Manch and others.
The tribals had earlier called a strike in June to protest the DCI recommendation. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), one of the ruling parties in the state, is also against the move.
“We will soon call a meeting of our leaders and decide the future course of action. If needed, we will stop coal and other mine production in the state and support the proposed economic blockade,” a JMM leader told IANS.
“We will call an economic blockade in the state if the central government fails to take suitable steps to alter the recommendation of DCI,” said Chamra Linda, president of Adivasi Chatra Sangh.