Assam: Will Ensure BJP's Defeat in 2021 if ST Status not Granted, Warns Tai-Ahom Body

Moran, March 12, 2020:

Not to be deterred by the Government's seemingly steadfastness regarding the decision to implement the amended Citizenship Act, the All Tai Ahom Students Union (ATASU) staged a 3-hour sit in protest in Moran under Dibrugarh district of Assam. Moreover, the Tai Ahom fraternity has also demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status from the Government. Failing to provide these, they said, they will ensure the BJP party's defeat in the elections.

Many locals, especially women, turned up in ethnic garbs, and decried the Government policies; moreover, they took direct potshots at the BJP party and claimed that they would not abandon their protests until and unless their demands are fulfilled at the earliest.

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"The Government always gives us lollipops regarding the granting of ST status. We want to clarify to the BJP Government -- We Ahoms have risen, and we will never stay quiet", a local leader said, and further added that if they are not granted ST status ahead of the 2021 polls, they will ensure the BJP's defeat in the polls.

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The Ahom community leaders also expressed their disdain for the BJP Government's amendment of the Citizenship Act, and further demanded the Government to release Akhil Gogoi and others, who were jailed during the protests.

Meanwhile, Gogoi, who was arrested under the 'draconian' UAPA, has fallen sick in his jail, and has been diagnosed with stomach ulcers and kidney stones. Now, an ailing Gogoi has raised the issue of poor medical facilities in hospitals.

“Many of the jailed inmates’ health deteriorates during their stay. The condition is pathetic. On February 11, an inmate, Karuna Saikia, who had been serving his term since the past 17 years, died due to lack of basic medical facilities,” said Akhil Gogoi, while talking about his improving health condition after treatment at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH).

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