BJP opens dialogue on 6th schedule demand in Rabha Hasong ahead of Assam govt formation

Dilip Saikia, on May 8, held a crucial meeting with the Rabha Hasong Joutho Mancho (RHJM) at the Secretariat conference hall of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) in Dudhnoi, where discussions focused on long-pending demands for inclusion of the council under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The RHJM delegation included representatives from the All Rabha Students’ Union, All Rabha Women’s Council, Sixth Schedule Demand Committee and 34 organisations representing 18 communities. Leaders of the Bodo Coordination Committee also participated in the discussions.

The meeting was chaired by Tankeswar Rabha and attended by senior BJP and alliance leaders, including Hagrama Mohilary, ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Rihon Daimary, along with newly elected MLAs Pabitra Rabha, Raju Mesh and Himanshu Shekhar Baishya.

Addressing the gathering, Saikia said the BJP and its allies initiated the dialogue immediately after the Assembly elections in recognition of the mandate received from the people of the Rabha Hasong region.

He stated that the next five years would focus on development and resolving long-standing issues in the council area, noting that the meeting was convened even before the formal swearing-in of the new Assam government.

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On demands for a ministerial berth for Tankeswar Rabha, Saikia said the matter would be decided by Himanta Biswa Sarma. However, he added that ministerial status was not a prerequisite for ensuring development in the region and assured that the government would prioritise issues concerning regional progress and security.

Subhash Rabha reiterated that the primary demand of the Rabha organisations remains inclusion of RHAC under the Sixth Schedule, a movement that has continued democratically for the past 23 years to ensure holistic development of the Rabha community and other residents of the region.

Meanwhile, Tulashidhar Boro pledged continued support from Bodo organisations and demanded ministerial status for Tankeswar Rabha.

Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the people of Assam had extended unprecedented support to the BJP in favour of development and security.

Referring to the issue of land encroachment in Goalpara district, he claimed that more than 1.5 lakh bighas of land had already been freed from illegal occupation across Assam and asserted that eviction drives would continue in the future.

He added that the discussions aimed at addressing concerns of all communities residing within the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council and ensuring inclusive development through unity and cooperation.