Activists seek rollback of Criminal Tribe Act

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 26

Activists of the de-notified tribes, Vimukta Jatian, have demanded that the newly formed government should address their issues on priority.

Dharmvir Singh Mahiya, convener of the Punjab De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatian), have sought rollback of the Criminal Tribe Act 1871, which was imposed by during the British rule.

“We are demanding that the Punjab government should pass a resolution and send it to the Centre government to roll back the Criminal Tribe Act 1871. Moreover, the government should recognise their demand to give them reservation benefits. We need five per cent reservation in government jobs as per our population,” said Mahiya.

Meanwhile, Mahiya’s supporters demanded that the government should appoint him as chairman of Vimukta Jati Welfare Board of the Punjab government.

Kewal Singh Mahla, an activist said, “Mahiya stood with the Congress from day one and faced reparation of Akali Dal leaders. Now, it is time that the government should recognise his services for the party and appoint him as chairman of Vimukta Jati Welfare Board.”