Assam Govt Urges AKRSU To Reconsider January 21 Bandh

GUWAHATI: In a recent statement, Minister of Information and Public Relations Pijush Hazarika has urged the All Koch Rajbongshi Student Union (AKRSU) to reconsider their proposed 12-hour statewide bandh on January 21. Hazarika said that the bandh may bring about significant disruption in socio-economic activities in Assam, as the state is all set to welcome Advantage Assam 2.0, an initiative towards industrial development and economic growth.

"Implementing a bandh at this critical time could hinder Assam's economic progress," Hazarika stated while appealing to the AKRSU to carry out peaceful dialogue. He reaffirmed the commitment of the government in fulfilling the long-pending demands of the Koch Rajbongshi community, which includes ST status, and the resolution of issues related to Kamatapur.

The minister said that the government is ready to sit with them further adding respect to the democratic right to protest. He said the Chief Minister, currently abroad promoting Advantage Assam 2.0, will sit with AKRSU representatives once he returns to the state.

Hazarika also mentioned some ongoing works, including the reservation of 13 medical seats for the Koch Rajbongshi community and the expansion of educational opportunities, including access to prestigious institutions like IITs. The bandh call was made after an announcement by the Koch Rajbongshi Jatiya Parishad on January 17, stating that the state had failed to grant ST status. The demand for ST classification for six communities has been pending since 2014, with concerns from other tribes delaying the decision.

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