Koch Rajbongshis urge CM Himanta to declare Dispur's position

ST STATUS TO SIX COMMUNITIES

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Sharply criticising the statement of Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda during his recent two-day visit to the State, two prominent Rajbongshi organisations of Assam — the AKRSU (All Koch Rajbongshi Students Union) and the KRNC (Koch Rajbongshi National Convention) have warned that "the reply of the community will be manifested during the next polls in the State."

In this regard, AKRSU president Puren Rai further demanded, "Let the Chief Minister of the State clearly explain the position of the government in this important issue."

Rai further said, "If the proposal for recognition of the six indigenous communities of Assam as STs (Scheduled Tribes) is still in the 'research stage', then why did the Union government grant ST status to the Koch Rajbongshis in Assam way back in 1996. Moreover, why was the 'Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill-2019' placed in the Rajya Sabha in 2019."

AKRSU president pointed out, "The Koch Rajbongshis have already fulfilled the required criteria to be included in the ST list. Since 2014, both the Union and the State governments have been assuring us that we would be granted the ST status. But nothing has been done in this regard.

"We urge the government to initiate the steps for recognition of the six indigenous communities of Assam."

Meanwhile, KRNC general secretary Biswajit Ray said, "We ardently urge Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to clarify his position regarding the ST status of the six indigenous communities of Assam. Much water has flown down the Brahmaputra since 2014 when the BJP-led government made its promises, but why has nothing been done to date?"

Koch Rajbongshi leader Biswajit Ray further posed, "Mentionably, the then Union government had constituted a five-member Cabinet Sub Committee headed by the then State Minister in charge of this portfolio — Himanta Biswa Sarma. But, why was the panel report not submitted to the Central government?

Also Read: Centre positively viewing demand of ST status for six communities of Assam: Arjun Munda

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