Urgent Outcry: Koch Rajbongshi Communities Demand Justice Over Government’s Delays in Granting ST Status
Bijni, Jan. 17: The Koch Rajbongshi community has strongly criticized both the Central and State governments for failing to deliver on promises to grant them Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Despite numerous commitments, progress remains unfulfilled, according to Koch Rajbongshi Jatiya Parishad President Biswajit Ray. In response, the All Koch Rajbongshi Students Union (AKRSU) has declared a 12-hour bandh in Assam on January 21.
Ray accused the BJP-led governments of employing police tactics to disrupt the bandh, specifically alleging harassment of AKRSU President Kshitish Barman by the Bongaigaon police. The Koch Rajbongshis have long sought ST status and even a separate state, yet government inaction persists. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s assurances that the ST status process was nearing completion have not materialized, with concerns about potential violence cited as a barrier.
Allegations of using the ST status issue for electoral gain have emerged, with past promises during election campaigns remaining unfulfilled. Meetings with the Union government in 2013 and 2017 failed to yield tangible results, and a Vision Document remains unimplemented. Ray warned that continued suppression could radicalize the community, prompting them towards militancy.
He mentioned efforts to mainstream former militants, like Jeevan Singh of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation, which have stalled, with Singh still imprisoned. Koch Rajbongshi leaders are prepared for an intensified movement if dialogue remains stagnant, urging the Chief Minister to initiate a round-table meeting before public frustration escalates. Ray emphasized that while leaders like Kshitish Barman may face arrests, widespread discontent will drive thousands into the streets if necessary, as the demand for ST status remains a pivotal issue for the Koch Rajbongshi people.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/koch-rajbongshi-bodies-condemn-govts-delay-in-granting-st-status-1565080
Category : Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-01-17 18:08:00
