Evict encroachers from tribal belts and blocks: Tribal Sangha urges Assam government

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) has flayed the State Government for not giving due importance to tribal issues.

In a press meet held in the city on Sunday, AATS secretary general Aditya Khakhlari said that every week cabinet meeting were held but tribal issues were not discussed in these meetings. He said that the government should focus on tribal issues.

The government is mulling creation of new tribal belts and blocks wherever the majority of the inhabitants (exceeding 50 per cent) belong to people of the protected class. "We welcome this move of the government but one of our long-pending demands has been eviction in the tribal belts and blocks which have been illegally encraoched upon. The government has not taken any steps in this regard," said Khakhlari.

The AATS president welcomed the signing of the Karbi Peace Accord between the Centre, the Assam Government and five rebel groups of Karbi Anglong on Saturday. He expressed hope that this would usher in peace in the region.

Khakhlari also said that like neighbouring State Manipur, the Assam Government should also legalize the production and sale of country-made liquor. "Country liquor is an integral part of tribal life and customs. Herbal plants are used by tribal people during prayer and other day-to-day activities. Unscrupulous people mix chemicals in the local liquor. This should be stopped. However, sale and production of country-made liquor should be legalized and tribal people only should be issued license to sell country-made liquor. This will open up employment avenues in the rural tribal areas," said Khakhlari.

AATS has been demanding eviction of an industry which has been set up at Sarutari village under Sonapur Revenue Circle, allegedly by illegally encroaching upon 16 bigha and 13 lessa land belonging to a woman named Kardom Keyapi. The Kamrup (metro) Deputy Commissioner on September 3 issued an eviction order in this regard. Khakhlari welcomed this move by the district administration and urged for immediate action to be taken pursant to the order.

Meanwhile, an executive meeting of AATS was held on Sunday which was presided over by AATS president Sukumar Basumatary.

Also Read: All Assam Tribal Sangha urges Assembly Speaker to hold special sessions on tribal issues

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