Newly Elected Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday lauded the central government for its efforts to accord separate sub-tribe status to the Darlong community of Tripura. Dr Saha while participating in discussion about the Bill proposing inclusion of certain communities in the Scheduled Tribes list at Rajya Sabha said, “I support the Bill that ensures inclusion of the Darlong community in the Scheduled Tribes list in Tripura under the Kuki community.”
According to Dr Saha, despite repeated letters from the end of previous Tripura governments, the Government of India did not give much importance to the issue. In 2002, a memorandum was submitted before the concerned ministry for recognition of the Darlong community as a separate sub-tribe. Later on, a committee was formed and a detailed report prepared by the panel was also placed before the government of India. But, unfortunately no steps were undertaken, he said.
Saha said, “Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb after being aware of the issue, wrote once again to the central government and the long pending issue is now set to be resolved. The Deprived Darlong community people will now get themselves officially recognized by the government. This move taken by the government is a reflection of the slogan of Sabka Satha Sabka Vikas and Sabka Biswas given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I also extend my sincere thanks to Union Tribal Welfare Minister Arjun Munda for tabling the Bill”.
Saha also informed the house that despite being a small community of a little above 11,000 people, members of this community are serving in different prestigious positions of local administration, armed and paramilitary forces. “This is one of the few communities that have a high prevalence of education in the state”, he added.
Rosem Maestro Thanga Darlong who was awarded with the coveted Padmashree for his contribution to the protection and preservation of tribal folk music is a living example of the rich cultural practices that this community is carrying forward, said Dr Saha
