Koch-Rajbongshi National Convention demand ST(P) & ST (New)

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A delegation of the Koch-Rajbongshi National Convention (KRNC) delegation met GoM (Group of Ministers) on ST status to the six ethnic communities of the State chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday. The delegation requested him to give ST (P) status to the Koch-Rajbongshis living in Udalguri and Baksa districts and ST (New) status to Koch-Rajbongshis living in other districts.

Talking to The Sentinel, KRNC general secretary Biswajit Rai said, "We've raised the demand for giving all political, social, economic, educational, land, appointment, promotions rights etc to the Koch-Rajbongshis without hampering the benefits of the existing ST(P) communities. We've also requested the Minister to form the interim council of the proposed Kamatapur Autonomous Council. For the development of Koch-Rajbonshis in the BTR (Bodo Territorial Region) a Koch-Rajbongshi Development Board should be formed, besides reservation of ten BTR constituencies for the Koch-Rajbongshis. This apart, the landless Koch-Rajbonshis should be given land pattas, the Gohain Kamal Ali should be upgraded as a highway and a national highway should be constructed along the India-Bhutan border. The revived Rupsi Airport should be renamed as Chilarai Airport.

"On our support to the BJP in the BTC poll, we told the minister that we would let him know after discussing the matter among ourselves."

Also watch: Also watch: Over 100 APHLC members join BJP in Karbi Anglong

Also Read:  Include Koches in ST list, not Koch Rajbongshis: AAKA tells GoA