Janagoshthiya Samannay Parishad (JSP) objects the word ‘indigenous Muslim’

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The chief convener of Janagoshthiya Samannay Parishad (JSP) Mominul Awal, on Monday stated that the body has objections regarding the use of terms like ‘indigenous’ for the proposed Development Council. Hence it has demanded the government of Assam to name the proposed council as Goriya Moriya Deshi and Jolha Tea Tribe Community Development Council.

Addressing the media after a meeting with the representatives of 23 other organizations, Awal said, “We welcome the decision taken by the Assam government for the Goriya, Moriya, Jolha and tea tribe community. However, we have witnessed that in the recent budget, terms like Indigenous Muslims were used. Hence we demand the government to name the proposed development council with the name of Goriya, Moriya, Deshi, Jolha and tea community.”

The JSP discussed several other issues regarding the definition of Goriya, Moriya, Deshi, Jolha and tea community. It demanded separate census and reservation of seats in the legislative assembly.

Awal said that there should be no confusion regarding the definition of these communities, as they were all recognized during the Ahom reign but, in the course of time due to political and social conspiracies the identity of these communities are at stake. He added that the JSP is hopeful that the Assam Government will ensure the recognition of these communities and the former will extend its support for such initiative.

Further, the parishad reiterated on the need of a census for these communities and constitutional safeguard as per the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. It urged the government to conduct the census through the revenue department and to include Minorities and Home department in the procedure.

Besides demanding 102 reserved seats in the Assam Legislative assembly, it raised the demand to form a separate parishad for the Deshi tribe, and to revive the already formed Goriya, Moriya, tea community and Jolha development council.

Also Read: Janagosthiya Samanway Parishad Asom hails indigenous Muslim Census

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