Mysore/Mysuru: Seeking de-listing of converted Girijans from ST (Scheduled Tribe) list, hundreds of tribals under the banner of Girijana Suraksha Vedike staged a protest at Maharaja PU College grounds on JLB road here on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, MLC Shantaram Siddi said that some international networks have indulged in conversion of tribal communities. Pointing out that this is a move to take us into their control and also to destroy our traditional practices and customs, he said that the tribal population in the country stands at 12 crore and there are 60 lakh tribals in Karnataka alone.

Stating that there are 52 tribal communities and 700 tribal sub-castes, he said that we should be ready to face challenges posed by those who convert into minority religions and get facilities.

Asserting that our movement is against forced conversions and against providing ST benefits to converts, the MLC said that the Government should fulfil the just demand of tribals. He warned of an intensive protest if the Government fails to respond to their demands.

Earlier, a massive rally was taken out from Maharaja PU College grounds passing through JLB road, Vinoba road, Small Clock Tower (Dufferin Clock Tower), Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple and D. Devaraj Urs road before returning to the starting point. Hundreds of tribals from different districts of the State took part in the rally. Iruliga Samaja leader Mahadevaiah, Ponnampet Forestry College Principal Prof. Jadegowda, Maharashtra High Court advocate Kiran Gabale, tribal leaders Chandrashekar, Puttamma Vaddaragudi and Ganesh, Advocates Medappa and Keshavamurthy, social activist Tulasiram and others were present.