Agartala: Several days after Tripura High Court issued notices to Chakma community heads seeking its reply on the alleged religious discrimination being meted out against two Christian families, Tripura State Chakma Council today clarified its stand.
The body stated that according to the customary laws of the community if any family converts to Christianity, they would become ineligible for the social benefits they were entitled to while following the traditional religion.
Leader of the organization Debjan Chakma further explained that the Supreme Court while hearing a petition by the Khasi and Jaiantia people ruled that no Christian could be allowed to compete for the post of their community leader.
“When someone embraces Christianity out of their choice and free will, the social customs that our people follow is not required to be performed or practiced. Naturally, the social order of the community does not apply on them and thus they are no longer eligible to be a part of the Chakma society. It is not that their rights are being snatched, they have themselves surrendered the social obligations by choosing Christianity”, he explained.
During the function, as many as 14 Chakma families of Pecharthal area had returned to the traditional Chakma way of life from Christianity. He said, “None of these families had been pressurized from the end of our society for embracing our traditional way of life quitting Christianity. After getting converted to another religion, they could realize the perils of being pushed away from the roots. This self realization brought them back to their roots”. Among others, member of the council Jogamaya Chakma, Nirmal Chakma et al remained present at the press briefing held at Agartala Town Hall.
