Slogans of protesters rend Dispur air on the first day of Winter Session

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The slogans raised by agitated protesters from different organizations echoed through Dispur on the first day of the Winter Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday.

The organizations demonstrated over their individual demands ranging from formation of autonomous councils to wage hike.

The Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Assam (TAYPA) demanded a satellite autonomous council along with ST (Scheduled Tribes) status for the community. The outraged protesters threatened to boycott the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in the forthcoming Assam Legislative Assembly Election if they are not granted ST status before Republic Day next year.

They stressed that before coming to power, the Government assured them of granting ST status. However, after coming to power the party government hasn't keep its promise, the body added.

Meanwhile, PratibandiSurakshaSangstha, Assam (PSSA) protesters were raising slogans demanding the Government to fill up the vacant posts for fourth grade employees and release the monthly pension for the specially-abled persons.

PSSA president NripenMalakar underlined that there are around 9 lakh specially-abled persons in the State.

"Despite participating in democratic process they are being neglected from various government schemes. The Government said that the specially-abled persons will be included under the Orunudoi Scheme and will be given Rs 830 per month. However, till date they have not been included under the scheme," Malakar lamented while highlighting their plight.

Around 1,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers demonstrated demanding regularization of their jobs. Opposing the New Education Policy (NEP), the protesters claimed that it will decrease the value of the Anganwadis. They also demanded the Government to recognize them as Government employees.

The KMSS (Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti) workers protested against the 'loot' by microfinance companies. They demanded immediate action against the companies for 'exploiting' the poor.

While the Ashakarmis demanded hike in their monthly salary, the Sadou Asom Goria-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad (SAGMDJP) demanded the Government to fulfill their 'promise' of conducting a survey to identify the socio economic position of the indigenous Muslims. They also reiterated their demand for the formation of a satellite autonomous council.

The Bishnupriya Manipuri Human Rights Protection Forum, Bishnupriya Manipuri Territorial Council Demand Committee, Bishnupriya Manipuri Language Eight Schedule Demand Committee demonstrated and submitted a memorandum to the President, Governors and CMs of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura through the Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner. The bodies demanded the formation of satellite autonomous council for the Bishnupriya Manipuris of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia, and MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi interacted with the protesters and heard their plight.

An intense situation prevailed in the Dispur area with the agitating bodies and police and CRPF personnel were deployed to avoid any untoward incident.

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