Koch-Rajbongshis seek to preserve their culture, fight for ST status and Kamatapur

A Correspondent

TANGLA: The 4th biennial conference of Bhergaon district Koch-Rajbongshi Mul Yuva and Mahila Sanmilani concluded here at Bengbari in Udalguri district on Sunday. Speaking in the open session as appointed speaker, general secretary of All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), Ranjit Kumar Ray said, “The Koch-Rajbongshi community possess a distinct language, attire and culture, including a rich heritage and legacy.” Ray said that the community which assimilated themselves as Assamese in Assam, Bengali in West Bengal, Bihari in Bihar and Nepali in Nepal should trace back their origin roots of Koch-Rajbongshis in the historic Kamatapur state.

He further lamented the lackadaisical attitude of the successive governments in securing the rights of the community by granting ST status and Kamatapur state. Attending the event as chief guest, media adviser to the Chief Minister of Assam, Hrishikesh Goswami exhorted the people to keep faith and patience in the government. He also recalled the great contributions of worthy sons of the soil, Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Mamoni Raisom Goswami, among others.

Earlier, the open session was inaugurated by president of All Koch-Rajbongshi Mahila Sanmilani, Chandra Singh Talukdar. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Koch-Rajbongshis have been betrayed and given lollipop of fake promises by every successive government, both in the State and Centre. She further added, “We have a rich heritage and legacy of the Bir Chilarai but we have lost our culture and language in the present day scenario. There has been transition and renaissance among the Koch-Rajbongshis.” “We have to learn our native mother-tongue. We have to join hands for our socio-economic progress and fight for our legitimate rights of ST and Kamatapur state,” she added.

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