The North Bengal Indigenous Forum demanded special security and the protection of fair voting rights for indigenous peoples and religious minority communities at a press conference held at the Chapainawabganj District Press Club on Saturday afternoon. The organization presented a five-point set of demands centered on election-time safety and equal participation.
In a written statement, the forum’s general secretary Prabhat Tudu said indigenous and minority communities continue to face discrimination, intimidation, and violence, particularly during elections. He said fear often prevents people from going to polling stations and cited incidents of threats and obstruction that undermine their ability to vote freely.
Tudu said such conditions contradict constitutional guarantees of equal rights, security, and freedom of expression and participation. He emphasized that voting is a fundamental right and that ensuring citizens’ safety is a state responsibility.
The forum’s five demands include: ensuring safe access to polling centers for indigenous and minority voters; preventive action by law enforcement against election-related violence; a neutral role for the Election Commission; inclusion of constitutional recognition and institutional representation for indigenous peoples in party manifestos; and steps to build trust among minority voters. Speakers at the event said labeling minority communities with political affiliations can increase risks of post-election reprisals.
Leaders including Sumi Murmu, Pradip Hembrom, Rumali Hasda, and Monika Soren were present at the press conference.
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