Protests continue on last day of Assembly session

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 4: Even on the last day of the last Assembly session of the Assam Assembly, protesters thronged the Last Gate in Dispur to press their demands to the Tarun Gogoi led State government that is set to complete its third term and is eyeing fourth consecutive term.

Around 1000 protesters of six different organizations raised slogans against the government with their demands written on placards. The six organizations include- Assam Boro Kachari Jatiya Parishad (ABKJP), All Assam Gopal Mitra Union (AAGMU), Sadou Asom Nirman Sramik Union (SANSU), th Yogi ST & Autonomous Council Demand Committee, AIUDF and Cine Artistes.

The demands of the organizations range from autonomous council to amendment of The Assam Cinemas (Regulation) Act.

The ABKJP urged the government to submit papers of Boro Kachari Autonomous Council to the Asom Boro Kachari Jatiya Parishad and also appealed for formation of an interim executive council. However, it cautioned the government to keep the interim council free from any form of political indulgence.

Similarly the AAGMU urged the government to immediately appoint the Gopal Mitra’s on government role as they are now extending voluntary service at various veteriry centres across the State. It also urged the government to equip the Golap Mitra’s with adequate equipments and training to carry out artificial breeding in the remote places.

The demands of the SANSU include- medical rehabilitation to workers injured in construction site, rehabilitation to family of deceased workers etc.

The th Yogi ST & Autonomous Council Demand Committee on the other hand urged the government to accord them with Schedule Tribe status for overall development. It also urged for a satellite autonomous council.

The AIUDF staged the protest demonstration with three key demands which include- a separate time zone for Assam, against government encroachment of Wakf property and repairing of PMGSY roads.

Meanwhile, the cine artistes of the State urged the government to amend The Assam Cinemas (Regulation) Act, reduction of service tax from Rs 40 to Rs 14, ensure compulsory screening of Assamese movies etc. Apart from this, several other small organizations too staged demonstration on the last day of the Assembly session on Thursday.