Masih community leaders demand fair representation ahead of of Chhattisgarh assembly elections

Ahead of the assembly elections, Masih community leaders from across Chhattisgarh's five divisions have advocated for their rights at the state and national level. The Christian leaders put forth a series of demands aimed at ensuring fair representation and protection of their community's rights during a press conference at Raipur on Tuesday.Their key demands are ticket to a candidate belonging to their community in each division of the state, adequate representation in both government bodies and organizations at various levels, including district, division, state, and national levels and emphasized the need for equal participation in decision-making processes.They highlighted instances where members of their community were being denied their constitutional rights. These included issues such as the ban on hookah smoking, social ostracism, violations of religious and constitutional rights, and the inhumane treatment of deceased bodies, some of which were either not allowed to be buried or were disposed of in an inhumane manner. They expressed concern that despite awareness of these issues, national political parties remained silent.They also raised concerns about not receiving their entitled rations despite holding valid ration cards.