Assam: Conflicts Continue Between AATSA and AASAA

NUMALIGARH: The conflicts between the two student unions representing the students from the tea garden communities continue to deepen. The All Assam Tea Students Association (AATSA) and the All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) continue their debate over the granting of reservations as Tea Tribes or Adivasis.

The central committee president of the All Assam Tea Students Association, Dhiraj Goala alleged that political interference and government parties were behind this ongoing conflict. He made this comment during a meeting in Numaligarh. Also, Jagdish Boraik, general secretary of the central committee, demanded that the government and police take action against Pradip Nag.

The emergency meeting of the All Assam Tea Students Association was called in the auditorium of the Morongi Development Block located in Purabanga. The key agenda of this meeting was to discuss the recent conflicts between the two organisations. Apart from the members of the All Assam Tea Students Association central committee, representatives from the local units also attended this event. The officials also pointed out how Pradip Nag had disrespected the entire tea community with his comments and alleged that political powers were behind this conflict.

Previously, the activists of All Tea Tribes Students Association (ATTSA), Tinsukia District Committee burnt the effigy of Pradip Nag, president of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA), for his alleged derogatory remarks against tea-tribes and ethnic artists and writers. ATTSA slammed Pradeep Nag for making alleged derogatory remarks against the ATTSA and tea tribe ethnic artists and writers. The relationship between the two organizations became strained following this and allegations and counter-allegations began to appear on social media against each other.

The situation came to such a pass that the news of AASAA leader Pradeep Nag coming to Doomdooma on August 20 to participate in a meeting enraged the ATTSA leaders. Consequently, ATTSA leaders and activists from various parts of the district assembled at Doomdooma town field and held a protest against Pradeep Nag on Friday. The ATTSA workers then chanted slogans against Pradeep Nag and burnt his effigy. ATTSA central committee vice-president Diganta Chahu, assistant secretary Lazarus Nanda, treasurer Rupesh Tanti and several central and district leaders participated in the programme.

Also Read: All Tea Tribes Students Association activists burn effigy of All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam president

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