Hold peace parleys with KLO, Koch Rajbongshi National Convention urges Centre

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Koch Rajbongshi National Convention (KRNC) has demanded the Central government to start peace talks with the KLO (Kamatapur Liberation Organization) also in line with the talks initiated with the NDFB(S).

Talking to The Sentinel, Koch Rajbongshi National Convention general secretary Biswajit Ray said, “We welcome peace talks initiated with the NDFB(S). We also want such peace talks with the KLO that has been demanding an independent Kamatapur State with areas of Assam and West Bengal. We’ve nothing to oppose the peace process with all factions of the NDFB to solve the problems of the Bodos. However, we don’t feel that only solving the problems of the Bodos will bring peace in lower Assam and the BTAD. If the peace process with the NDFB violates the tradition, history and rights of the Koch Rajbongshis, we won’t sit idle. We, therefore, demand inclusion of representatives from the Koch Rajbonghsis in the talks with the NDFB(S). The BTC Accord has already violated the political and land rights of the Koch-Rajbongshis and other non-tribal people, leading to a political tussle between the Bodos and non-Bodos. In such a situation the solution to the problem can be found only by taking all ethnic groups living in the BTAD into confidence.” Spelling out their demands, Ray said, “The Centre has to ensure that the rights of non-tribal people are not violated while finding a solution to the Bodo problems. The BJP should also fulfil its poll promise of according ST status and autonomy to the Koch Rajbongshis.”

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