Guwahati: The Sai Janagosti Oikya Mancha of Assam has declared that on September 22 (Thursday), they will initiate significant protests against the government to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition.
The Janata Bhawan in Dispur will be gheraoed as a form of protest by the Janagosti Oikya Mancha.
All Moran Students Union, Assam Matak Yuva Chatra Sanmilan, All Tai Ahom Students Union, Chutia Yuva Sanmilan, All Assam Tea Tribe Students Union, and All Koch Rajbongshi Students Union, collectively known as Sai Jonogosthio Oikya Mancha, have decided not to participate in talks with the Centre that were scheduled to take place on September 21.
Joint Secretary of the All Tai Ahom Students Union (ATASU), Milan Burhagohain said, “The administration merely seeks to put an end to the democratic activities. The government regularly has meetings but never comes to a decision. As a result, we will not participate in the planned discussions with the government.
“Before the elections, the BJP government vowed to give ST status to six Assamese communities. But it appears now that they have abandoned the populace. We won’t abstain from voting, but we will respond to the administration firmly. Only if the administration agrees to hold tripartite negotiations will we participate in them.”
Notably, six communities of Assam that consist of Adivasi, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran and Tai-Ahom, have been demanding ST status. The BJP made a commitment to these communities that they will receive ST status prior to the 2016 Assembly elections. These communities make up more than 30% of Assam’s electorate together.