Axom Xatra Mahaxabha has urged Centre to introduce ILP and special status to Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Axom Xatra Mahaxabha — a platform of the xattradhikars in Assam – has urged the Centre to introduce ILP (Inner Line Permit) and accord a special status to Assam. At the same time, the organization has extended full-fledged support to the democratic and peaceful movement against the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act)-2019 in Assam.

Talking to The Sentinel on Wednesday, the organization’s general secretary, Kusum Kumar Mahanta said, “At this present time of crisis being encountered by the indigenous people of Assam in the backdrop of the CAA, we support the movement against the new Citizenship Act across Assam. If the CAA is implemented, the Assamese people will face a serious threat to their language, culture, and identity as a whole. We have already instructed our district committees to remain with the people and participate in the democratic non-violent movement against the Citizenship Act.”

Mahanta added, “We have also requested the Central government to not only review the CAA but also initiate moves for introduction of ILP (Inner Line Permit) in Assam for the overall security of the indigenous people of the State. The Central government must protect the indigenous people of Assam by according a ‘Special Status’ to the State.

He further said, “Anyone who entered Assam after 1971 is a foreigner.”

Elaborating on the threats being faced by the indigenous people of Assam, the Axom Xatra Mahaxabha general secretary pointed out, “Already, lands of the indigenous people of Assam have been procured by many people from outside the State. Of late, this trend is on the rise; and it is posing serious threat to the very existence of the indigenous people since without land, no community will survive.

The government must ensure land right for the indigenous people of the State. The time has arrived for restricting people from outside the State from procuring land in Assam. The earlier it is done the better.”

Mahanta also stated, “The present scenario can be very well gauged from the fact that though many communities from other States are living in Assam, many among them don’t like to accord due respect to the gamosa — the traditional symbol of the Assamese.”

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