ST status to 6 ethnic groups delayed due to Congress: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in the state has been delayed due to the Congress party. 

He mentioned that the process was initiated years ago, but the delay was caused by the previous government's unnecessary clause to it.

Speaking to the media, Assam CM said, "Tribalisation was not delayed because of me, it was because of Congress. What resolution did the Congress pass in the Assembly?... The government should take NOCs from the existing tribals of Assam, why  did they pass the resolution in the Assembly?."

"In their (Congress) government, the Assembly resolution if read, the question is that they bite as snakes and cure as the doctor...You all read the proposal and then no one will ask me any more questions. What should they have said is that tribalization of 6 ethnic groups, why did they add that word (NOC)?" he added.

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"Why did the Congress write that word without harming the preset tribal people?... So the Congress should give the answer as to why they put that word on it," Sarma further stated.

Earlier in March, the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Asom (TAYPA) staged a dharna on March 5 with members from various committees converging to voice their plea for separate Ahom land and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. 

The protest, spearheaded by the central committee and Margherita sub-division committee, highlighted the plight of the Tai Ahom community comprising over 50 lakh individuals residing in Assam.

Under the banner of TAYPA, the Tinsukia district committee, Sadiya sub-division committee, and Margherita sub-division committee jointly organized the sit-in, aiming to draw attention to the longstanding demand for ST status and territorial autonomy for the Tai Ahom people. A memorandum was submitted to the Margherita sub-divisional officer, urging immediate action towards granting ST status and allocating land specifically designated for the Ahom community. Additionally, the protesters called for the declaration of Upper Assam as an Ahom land, advocating for its recognition as a separate state.