ST (Hills) status to Bodos opposed in Assam

Days after the Bodo Accord was signed between the Centre and Bodo groups, a delegation from Assam, called on President Kovind and DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, lodged their protest against Clause 6.1 of the Bodo Accord which gives Schedule Tribe (Hills) to the Bodos and Kacharis live in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts.

New Delhi:A delegation from Assam on Monday called on President Ramnath Kovind and DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and lodged their protest against Clause 6.1 of the historic Accord which gives Schedule Tribe (Hills) to the Bodos and Kacharis living in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao hill districts.

The development took place, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the historic Bodo Accord would bring peace in Assam.

"We want to revoke Clause 6.1 of the Bodo Accord which gives ST(H) status for people of Bodo and Kacharisl community living in Hills of Assam, especially Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao areas," said Dr Mongve Rongpi, secretary and spokesperson, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).

The delegations comprising leaders from the Congress called on President Kovind and DoNER Minister Dr Singh and lodged their protest against the Clause.

Rongpi said that Bodos are already getting ST (Plain) status and accordingly getting all the political, economic and other benefits.

"If they are allowed to get ST(H) status, it will destroy our demography...we will oppose the move," said Rongpi.

The delegation said that the government's decision will 'infringe upon the rights' enjoyed by the Karbis and Dimasas of the two hills district.

Rongpi, however, said that if Clause 6.1 is bestowed, "then we want a separate autonomous state under the constitution."

"We appeal to the government to implement Article 244 (A) of the Indian Constitution which is the long-standing demand of the hill districts," he added.

Article 244 A, empowers the Parliament to form an autonomous state in Assam and to create a body to function as a legislature for the autonomous state or a council of ministers.

It may be mentioned that the Assam's Karbi Anglong district has already witnessed bandh in protest against giving ST (H) status to Bodos.

The government recently signed the Bodo Accord signed in New Delhi, gave ST (H) status to the Bodos living in Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts of Assam.

Bodo, Kacharis are already categorised as ST (plains) and enjoy a 10 per cent reservation quota in all spheres such as education, employment among others. end.