HTPF protests against granting ST (H) status to Bodos of KA

From a Correspondent

Donkamokam, September 12: The Hills Tribal Protection Forum (HTPF), a conglomerate of all tribal organizations of Karbi Anglong on Monday protested against granting of ST (H) status to the Bodo community of Karbi Anglong by the Union Cabinet, at Donkamokam Chariali.

The protest was attended by former MP Dr Jayanta Rongpi, former MLA Holiram Terang, former minister Ruponsing Ronghang, former MLA Chandrakanta Terang and KSA leader Leon Engleng, along with student activists. Their main agenda of protesting was to scrap the Clause 8 of BTC Accord.

“Instead of giving blanket and mosquito nets to BPL families, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) should built hospitals or renovate some of the existing Primary Health Centres which are lying abandoned,” Leon England, KSA leader, said. The KAAC authorities, instead of remaining puppets at the hands both the Centre and State Government, should join in the protest against granting ST(H) status to Bodos of KA in order to safeguard the Karbis, he further added.

Former MP Jayanta Rongpi appealed to the people of Karbi Anglong, particularly the ST (H) community, to stand united against the divisive activities formulated by the NDA government. “They are trying to end the smaller tribes like us,” Rongpi said. He further said that if Clause 8 of BTC Accord was not scrapped by the Union Cabinet, there would be vigorous movement.