Information on the above-mentioned topics could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

However, the following information may be of general interest. According to the attachment from the Encyclopaedia of India, "Adivasi (original inhabitant) is a general term for all the scheduled tribes in India," and India's constitution recognizes 30 Scheduled tribes in Bihar (1994 119,108). Please consult the attachment for a list of Bihar's 30 Scheduled tribes and a brief description of each.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Attachment

Encyclopaedia of India. 1994. Vol. 26 on Bihar. Edited by Majid Hussain. New Delhi: Rima Publishing House, pp. 108-19.

Additional Sources Consulted

Asian Survey [Berkeley, Calif.]. Monthly. January-September 1996.

DIRB. April 1996. Human Rights Information Package: India.

_____. Indexed Media Review [Ottawa]. Weekly. January 1996-present.

Extremist Groups: An International Compilation of Terrorist Organizations, Violent Political Groups, and Issue-Oriented Militant Movements. 1996.

Human Rights in Developing Countries Yearbook 1996. 1996.

Human Rights Watch World Report 1997. 1996.

India Today [Delhi]. Fortnightly. January-December 1996.

News from Asia Watch [New York]. Monthly. 1994-present.

Political Handbook of the World: 1995-1996. 1996.

Political Parties of Asia and the Pacific. 1985.

Political Parties of the World. 1984, 1988.

Refugee Branch, Asylum Division, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Hull. Infrequent reports. 1994-present.

World Directory of Minorities. 1989.

Six oral sources contacted did not provide information on the requested subjects.