Newly-formed interim Kamatapur Autonomous Council is not Lawful, alleges KRNC

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Koch Rajbongshi National Convention (KRNC) has alleged that the interim Kamatapur Autonomous Council formed by the government on February 25 is not lawful.

It alleged that KAC has not been formed according to the Kamatapur Autonomous Council Act, 2020.

Addressing the media, KRNC general secretary Biswajit Ray said, "Most of the members who have been included in the interim KAC are from outside the Council's area. Seven members are from the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and maximum members don't have any contribution to the Koch Rajbongshi Movement. The Council has been formed for political agendas with outsiders to suppress the demands of the community for ST status and establishment of a separate Kamatapur State."

He underlined that he will not accept the position as a member in the newly-formed Council. "The post has been given to socially suppress me and my sacrifices made for the community have been neglected," he said.

Further, Ray highlighted some of the Sections of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council Act, 2020 which the government has allegedly violated.

"According to Section 5 of Article 35 of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council Act, 2020 people who are permanent residents and are registered voters from the area can be a member of the Council. Section 2 of Article 1 clearly mentions that out of the 30-member Council, 26 should be directly elected out of which, 20 should be from the Koch Rajbongshi community, five should be women, and one should represent the general category. The government can nominate the rest of the four members who represent other communities. However, according to the notification issued by the Department of Welfare of Plain Tribes & Backward Classes about the formation of the interim KAC, the government has clearly violated the above mentioned Sections of the Act."

He alleged that maximum members of the Council who are outsiders have been appointed in the higher posts by showing fake residential address.

He also lamented that the government has 'ignored' the suggestions given by Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury regarding formation of interim KAC.

"The people of Kamatapur will not accept the Council which has been formed forcefully," Ray underlined.

The KRNC has demanded intervention of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary into the matter and demanded the formation of a new Council by appointing members from the Kamatapur area.

Ray threatened that the KRNC will drag the matter to the Court if the government doesn't accept their demands.

"The BJP will have to face consequences in the following constituencies if it fails to address our issues – Golokganj, Gauripur, East Bilasipara, East Goalpara, Dudhnoi, Sorbhog, Patasarkuchi, Kamalpur, Sipajhar, and constituencies under the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region)," Ray added.

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