Tribal front threatens agitation

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, Aug 4: The Co-ordition Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Union Home ministry, opposing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of the State.

A five member delegation of the organization submitted the memorandum to the Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and Joint Secretary (NE) in Home ministry Satyendra Garg.

Opposing the Centre’s move for granting ST status to Koch Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia and Adivasi (tea tribes) of the State, the tribal front has decided to stage a mass dhar in front of Assam Assembly on August 11.

“If these communities are given ST status, all the seats in educatiol institutions, government jobs and political institutions (whether autonomous council or State Assembly) currently reserved for STs can be contested by these communities,” said Pramod Boro, president of All Bodo Students’ Union.