Religions have destroyed indigenous people's culture: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Indigenous communities of Assam are losing their culture, language and tradition due to the aggressive campaign of established religions, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has said. Replying to a discussion on the newly created Indigenous Faith and Culture department, during Zero Hour on Thursday, Sarma said communities such as Bodos and Mising belonged to indigenous faiths such as Bathou and Donyi Polo.

“While trees are worshipped by Bathou, Donyi Poli worship the sun and moon. Owing to Sanskritisation and aggressive religious campaign of different groups, indigenous communities have been losing their culture, language and tradition. The Tiwa people lost their language. While temple, mosque and church get donations, there is no financial support for the people who believe in the worship of nature,” the CM said.