Six Communities promise action if ST status not granted

Guwahati, January 16. 2019:

Representatives of the six agitating communities seeking grant of ST status came together today down the blueprint for their plans in case the government fails to provide them with ST status. A Janagusthio Oikyo Manch meet was held by the bodies where they.

Speaking to InsideNE, Arun Jyoti Moran, All Moran Student Union central President, said: “The government has pushed us into suspense regarding the granting of ST status to the six communities. The central government raised the Bill at the Rajya Sabha but formed a cabinet committee. This drama has us concerned. They must take steps to cement the Bill on 31st January at the Parliamentary sitting. If not, we will block airport, railways, coal. We will begin an economic blockade and destabilize Assam if our demands are not met.”

He stated that the community has also organized a protest on 24th January in Guwahati and also slammed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, stating that the six communities are not willing to accept foreigners and promised more protests if the government tries to pass the Bill in the Parliament.

Atul Rai, Koch-Rajbongshi Sangram Samiti President, stated: “In 2014, before the election, present Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured ST status to the six agitating communities. But after almost five years of being in power, they have not done so. Thus, in this six janagusthi oikya manch sitting, we have informed the government that they have till January 31st to meet our demands. If not, we are ready to rise in revolt against the BJP government.”

Speaking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, he opined that the Koch-Rajbongshi Sangram Samiti will take their stand as per the will of the people.