AASAA demands rehabilitation of families affected by Baghjan blowout

UDALGURI: The All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) has demanded immediate rehabilitation of the families affected in the Baghjan oil well blowout. They also demanded insurance of Rs 50 lakh for each family and Rs 1 lakh one-time compensation to the affected families.

In a press meet held at Udalguri, Pradip Nag, AASAA president, demanded ST status for the Adivasis in Assam. Citing the Chabua incident, he strongly demanded the release of arrested Adivasi people and action against one Lakhi Gagoi who had allegedly instigated a fight among the people. He also referred to the incident of land capturing by the forest department under Margherita circle where 14 Adivasi families were affected. He demanded that the land should be returned to the families since they had occupied the land before 1950.

The AASAA also demanded immediate release of 16 arrested persons in connection with the Gabhoru TE Selenghat, Mariani incident. "We visited Gabhoru TE Selenghat of Mariani and found that there was no such mob lynching as stated. A Scooty hit three tea workers who were severely injured and hospitalized. But unfortunately this incident was given a communal colour," he said.

Reacting to the statement of pro-talk ULFA leader Jiten Dutta about the Adivasi people of Assam, he demanded a public apology from him. He also said that Adivasis were the aboriginal people and Jiten Dutta's words had deeply hurt the Adivasis. He demanded that Dutta should be arrested immediately for his 'derogatory remarks' on their community.

Also watch: Evening Bulletin | 8th June, 2020