Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chairman Hagrama Mohilary assuages fear of Sarania Kacharis

GORESWAR: “The Sarania Kacharis were tribal in the past and are now as well. They shouldn’t worry about ST status. The law will do justice to them. ST certificates must be issued to the Sarania-Kacharis. No separate fund is given to any caste or community in the BTC,” said BTC chairman Hagrama Mohilary.

Mohilary said this on Thursday while addressing the open meeting of the Sarania-Kachari Gantantrik Nari Mancha at the playground of Goreswar Higher Secondary School. He was the chief guest at the 16th central foundation day and annual conference of the Mancha.

Mohilary said the BTAD will continue to remain backward if any of the caste or community in the politico-administrative area is not developed. “The women weren’t aware of it before 15 years. But now most of the women are well aware of their development index,” Mohilary said, and added that the proposal for VCDC election has been sent to the Government. “The approval has not been received as yet. The BTC authority is trying for it,” he added.

Minister Chandan Brahma, who also took part as the distinguished guest at the open meeting, said that the public should give attention to their own business rather than criticizing others. “What Janaklal Basumatary said is not a matter to discuss. The Sarania Kacharis were a part of the vast tribal residing all over Assam. Nobody can deny them their rights. The Sarania Kacharis should be united for their all-round development. The Sarania Kacharis should raise their demands before the authority concerned. The department concerned must help mitigate their problems,” he said.

MLA Bhabesh Kalita said, “Sarania Kacharis are tribal. There’s no doubt about it. They will get all government facilities which other tribal have been getting. The culture of the Sarania Kachari is very praiseworthy and rich. The traditional dress of Sarania Kacharis has a beautiful look which is not found in others. It’s our duty to save Sarania Kacharis’ tradition and develop the community.” Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary and BTC EM Ganesh Kachary also took part in the meeting which was presided over by Pramila Das Sarania, president of Sarania Kachari Ganatantric Nari Mancha. The open meeting was inaugurated by Dipak Deka, chairman of the Sarania Kachari Development Council.