Autonomous State Demand Committee opposes announcement to grant ST Status to Bodos living in hill districts

A Correspondent

Diphu: The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) expressed strong disapproval of the announcement made by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Bodos living in the hill districts of Assam. The hill tribals have unequivocally opposed the move of the BJP government since the time the proposal was mooted. All hill organizations, including the Autonomous Council, have opposed this proposal.

“The Union Home Minister’s announcement has shown the BJP’s utter disdain towards the hill tribes. Such humiliation shall not be tolerated by the 15 hill tribes. If the BJP has any sense of decency and democratic propriety, then it can still refrain from bringing in the proposed constitutional amendment.

The ASDC also calls upon all the hill tribals in the BJP to express strong resentment over the issue. Not able to stop the Union Government from harming the very existence of the hill tribals will only make the hill BJP members unfit to be members of the hill society. The ASDC also seriously notes the role of MP Birensing Engti representing the autonomous districts.

The inactivity and almost a negative role of the MP on the issue needs to be condemned by everyone. This attempt by the BJP-led Union Government to exterminate the hill tribals will not be taken lying down. The BJP will have to pay a heavy price,” said ASDC president Holiram Terang.

“The attempt to suffocate will be ultimately thwarted by the hill people and a befitting reply will be given to the BJP. Also the ASDC has called a 24-hour bandh in Karbi Anglong on January 11,” he added.

Also read: Assam News