Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of members of the Kudumi Sena have launched a march to gherao the Parliament in New Delhi on December 12 to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for their community.
The Kudumi Sena has been rallying for ST status for decades, claiming that it is the only way to ensure their socio-economic development. They argued that the government’s refusal to grant ST status has resulted in the lack of access to basic amenities such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The march, which was attended by thousands of Kudumi Sena members, was led by the organization’s leader, Jamuni Mohanta. He said that the Kudumi community had been denied its legitimate right since September 6, 1950, to enjoy the benefits that come with ST status and appealed to the government to grant it without delay.
Mohanta warned that the Kudumi Sena would resort to economic blockade in three states – Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand if their demands are not met. He said they will block the roads, railways, and will not allow any government or private offices, and schools, or colleges to function.
