Bishnupriya Manipuris demand inclusion in central OBC list

Special Correspondent

Silchar: In a signed memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Assam and submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on Thursday, Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha (NBMM), central committee based at Bhokatpur near this town has demanded inclusion of Bishnupriya Manipuri community in the central list of OBC. It has been pointed out that the Bishnupriya Manipuri community was enlisted in the state OBC list of 2010. Unfortunately, it was not included in the central list despite repeated representations, persuasions as well as agitations launched peacefully and democratically by different organizations of the community.

It has been further pointed out that Bishnupriya Manipuri community has been included in both the lists of OBC, centre and the state, in Tripura. There is no denial of the fact that the socio economic and educational status and condition of the community is almost identical and similar in both the states of Tripura and Assam. In this regard, it has further been mentioned that the Minister for Department of Welfare of Plains Tribes and Backward Class, Pramila Brahma, at a meeting with the leaders of the various organizations of the community on March 12, 2018 assured to carry out socio economic survey of the Bishnupriya Manipuri people of Assam.

Sadly enough, pointed out Anil Singha Gautam, president of NBMM, the same survey remains on the paper and yet to be carried out. He added to say non inclusion of Bishnupriya Manipuri community on central list of OBC has deprived the students and poor unemployed youths of availing themselves of their rights and privileges in higher studies as well as for securing central government jobs. In view of the facts as stated, NBMM has urged upon the Chief Minister to have a proper appraisal and understanding of the conditions of the community on the ground.

It is their plea that necessary measures may kindly be taken to give protection to the economically backward community by enlisting it in the central list of OBC. It is the confidence and conviction of the NBMM leaders that the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal would initiate effective measures to accommodate their just and legitimate demand. Before submitting the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, an impressive number of leaders and supporters of NBMM staged protest demonstration in order to buttress their demand.

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