GUWAHATI: The All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) has called for a complete boycott of the state’s ruling party president, Dilip Saikia, following his alleged remarks on land ownership in constitutionally protected tribal areas. The umbrella organisation, representing various tribal communities, has accused Saikia of making “anti-tribal” and prejudiced statements that threaten the fundamental rights of indigenous people.
In a strongly worded statement, the AATS said its decision was prompted by comments Saikia reportedly made on August 2, where he allegedly suggested that laws could be amended to allow non-tribals, including residents of cities like Guwahati and Dibrugarh, to purchase land in the Sixth Schedule autonomous areas and Tribal Belts and Blocks. The AATS quoted Saikia as saying that provisions of the Sixth Schedule and the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation’s Chapter 10 would be circumvented in such a scenario.
The organisation condemned the comments as a direct assault on the constitutional safeguards established to protect the land and cultural heritage of tribal communities in regions such as Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and the Bodoland Territorial Council. The AATS stated that the remarks have caused immense pain and hurt among the tribal population and demanded that Saikia retract his statements immediately.
Until a public apology is issued and an assurance is given that no attempts will be made to dilute or interfere with the existing land protection laws, the AATS said the boycott against the BJP state president would remain in effect. The tribal body urged all communities to stand united against what it perceives as a grave threat to their existence and way of life.
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