Include Dalit Christians and fishermen in ST list: Karunanidhi to PM

Chennai, May 30: Happy that DMK's long-standing demand of including the Narikuravars in the St category, chief Karunanidhi requested the PM to consider including the Dalit Christians and fishermen community in the Scheduled Tribe list.

Arguing his request, Karunanidhi said, "hen SC/STs convert themselves to Christianity, they are deprived of all the privileges and concessions hitherto enjoyed by them. DMK has been demanding that the SC/STs after conversion to Christianity should be treated as SC/STs and allowed all concessions and privileges."

Arguing that the fishermen community should be included in the ST category as a marine tribes. "The fishermen community, by their very geographical nature, is socially and educationally akin to the Scheduled Tribes," he said. He further said that the inclusion will help the community to climb up the social ladder.

Karunanidhi requested Modi to consider these two demands and act soon. The Union Cabinet, gave its approval for inclusion of three communities, including Narikuravarfrom the state under the Scheduled Tribes category.

OneIndia News