SHILLONG: Senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek has announced plans to formally request the National Commission for Minorities to grant official minority religious status to Meghalaya’s indigenous faiths, including Seng Khasi, Niam Tre, and Sein Raj.
Hek argued that under Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution, several communities—including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jains—enjoy minority status and related benefits.
He asserted that traditional tribal faith groups such as Sein Raj, Sein Jaintia, and Seng Khasi deserve equal constitutional recognition and access to these rights.
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Highlighting the current disparity, Hek noted that tribal members practicing Christianity receive minority status facilities, while followers of indigenous faiths do not, despite their shared tribal heritage.
He emphasized the need for equal treatment and revealed that Seng Khasi leaders had recently approached him for support.
Hek pledged to officially petition the Minority Commission, calling minority status a fundamental right for these communities.
(4FrontMedia news)
