When the population census process got underway in Jharkhand on May 16, an appeal began circulating among Adivasi communities: don’t mention “Hindu” in the religion column; instead, write “Sarna” — the traditional tribal faith — or “others”. Around a week later, a large Sangh-affiliated Adivasi gathering in New Delhi demanded “delisting” from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category for tribal people who convert to Christianity or Islam. These two recent, interlinked developments have revived the long-running debate around religious identity among Adivasis, not only in Jharkhand but elsewhere too. Here’s a look at why religion and, in particular, “delisting”, are such divisive matters among the community. First, what is delisting? “Delisting” refers to the demand that tribal people converting to Christianity or Islam should not continue receiving benefits for STs. Among the major voices raising this demand are Adivasi Hindus.…