Ranchi: Representatives of the Central Sarna Committee have reiterated their demand for a separate Sarna Religion Code, urging members of the tribal community to identify themselves as followers of the Sarna faith during the upcoming census.
Speaking at a press conference, Phoolchand Tirkey said Sarna has a distinct religious and cultural identity that should not be merged with or equated to any other faith. He expressed concern over statements made by certain individuals who, according to him, are trying to portray Sarna as being the same as Sanatan Dharma or closely linked to Christianity.
Tirkey claimed such assertions are misleading and are being made to serve political interests rather than the interests of the tribal community. He stressed that the demand for a separate Sarna Religion Code has been a long-standing aspiration of many indigenous communities seeking formal recognition of their faith.
With census activities set to begin, the committee appealed to tribal people to write “Sarna” in the religion column of official forms. Leaders said that a significant number of such declarations would strengthen the case for granting separate recognition to the Sarna faith.
The speakers also called upon tribal communities to remain united and work collectively to safeguard their traditional beliefs, cultural practices, and religious heritage.