CCTOA opposes ST status to 6 ethnic groups

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 7: The Coordition Committee of the Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA) has opposed the move to accord ST status to six ethnic groups of the State – Morans, Muttacks, Tai Ahoms, Chutias, Koch-Rajbongshis, and Tea Tribes. “At a time when over 1,000 tribal groups of the  country have been demanding for ST status, why should there be a modality committee only for the six tribal groups of Assam? The granting of ST status to the already developed six ethnic groups of the State will deprive the margilized scheduled tribes of the State,” speaking to the newsmen here today CCTOA coorditor Promod Boro said. “The six ethnic groups do not fulfill the criteria, and it seems they will be accorded ST status forcibly,” the CCTOA said, and added: “It seems to be a blueprint to destroy the socio-cultural identity and constitutiol rights of the indigenous tribals of the state.” It is worth mentioning that upon the demands of CCTOA, a tripartite meeting took place in New Delhi to discuss issues related to the move for according ST status to the six tribal groups of Assam.