BJP MLA Hek Demands Minority Status for Indigenous Faiths

Shillong: Senior BJP leader AL Hek wants equal footing for tribal faiths. The Pynthorumkhrah MLA wrote to the Minority Commission on September 16. He demands welfare benefits for indigenous groups like Seng Khasi, Seng Jaintia, and Seng Raj. These followers are currently left out in the cold.

Hek argues that the Centre already grants minority status to Christians and Muslims. He questions why traditional tribal practices receive different treatment. Tribal people belong to the same fold. They deserve identical support. "Indigenous faith followers are not deprived of legitimate benefits simply because they adhere to their traditional beliefs," Hek said.

Leaders from the Seng Khasi and other groups approached the MLA informally. This pushed him to take the fight to the commission. He insists that traditional believers should not lose out just because of their religious heritage.