Assam Bandh: Six Ethnic Groups Called For A Statewide Shutdown To Demand ST Status

• Image Credit: Google

• Nov 15, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The body is an umbrella organization of six ethnic communities: Adivasi, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran and Tai-Ahom...

Digital Desk: Six ethnic groups have called for a 12-hour nationwide shutdown today to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Soy Janagosthi Joutha Mancha (Joint Platform of Six Ethnic Tribes) has announced the shutdown.

The body is an umbrella organization of six ethnic communities: Adivasi, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran and Tai-Ahom.

The forum slammed the BJP-led governments at the Center and in Assam, accusing them of "playing with the sentiments of the six communities." It further claimed that the demand for ST status has been pending for a long time and that "neither the state nor the central government is eager to take any serious measures on this subject."

The six communities' umbrella organization has also organized a 'dharna' at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on November 30.

Meanwhile, the Assam Adivasi Sanmilan (AAS) has urged the Soy Janagosthi Joutho Mancha to call off the Assam bandh because Adivasi hero Birsa Munda's birthday falls on that day.

According to David Horo, the general secretary of the AAS, Birsa Munda revolted against the British in the 18th century, and the hero's birth anniversary has been given the status of a "Gaurav Divas." He added that the event is also observed in Assam.

"Regarding the demands made by the six ethnic groups, we have total support. In light of Birsa Munda's birthday, we have asked them to halt the bandh," said David Horo.