Empowering Unity: Advocates Urge for Constitutional Recognition of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council at National Seminar
A national seminar on “Land Rights, Self-Determination, and Constitutional Status for the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC)” was recently held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. Organized collaboratively by the All Rabha Students’ Union, All Rabha Women Council, Sixth Schedule Demand Committee, and the RHAC from Dudhnoi, Assam, the seminar addressed the pressing need for constitutional measures to secure the land and identity of the Rabha community.
The seminar began with an inaugural address by Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia, who emphasized the challenges of illegal migration impacting the Rabha Hasong area. He committed to championing the rights of indigenous communities in Parliament, underscoring the negative consequences of demographic and cultural encroachments on the RHAC.
Chaired by RHAC Chief Executive Member Tankeswar Rabha, the event featured notable speakers including Dr. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya of the All Assam Students’ Union, Aditya Khakhlary from the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam, Nirupam Chakma of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, human rights activist Suhas Chakma, and Dr. Raktim Pator from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Dr. Bhattacharya stressed the importance of addressing the Rabha community’s concerns as a statewide issue, seeking support from the central government against illegal migration. Aditya Khakhlary highlighted the significance of the RHAC’s autonomy movement in tribal rights, calling for regional unity. Nirupam Chakma and Suhas Chakma discussed the protective role of the Sixth Schedule and the dangers of unchecked development on tribal lands. Dr. Raktim Pator provided a historical perspective, advocating for RHAC’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for cultural and land protection.
The seminar concluded with a resolution urging the Indian government to amend the Constitution by 2026, integrating RHAC into the Sixth Schedule. This, participants argued, is vital for ensuring self-determination and safeguarding tribal rights. Tankeswar Rabha called on the Chief Minister of Assam and the central government to expedite this process, emphasizing the need for political commitment to achieve constitutional recognition for the RHAC.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/national-seminar-advocates-constitutional-recognition-for-rabha-hasong-autonomous-council-1112554-2024-10-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-28 20:03:00
