Hagrama Mohilary’s political career over if ST granted to 6 communities: Tribal leader

Guwahati, January 15, 2019:

Ranjit Kumar Borgoyari, ex-President, tribal sangha has issued a warning to BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary stating political career will be over if ST status is granted to the six agitating communities of the state.

He warned of the dangers faced by the Bodo communities of ST status to the six communities. “Nothing will remain in BTC if ST status is granted. It will bring difficulty to us. I implore Hagrama to let things be as they are in BTAD. We will not let other communities conquer BTC by becoming STs”, stated Borgiyari.

He also acknowledged Hagrama’s role in development in the region, but warned that protests would follow if other communities were allowed to conquer the area. “BTC has developed a lot under Hagrama’s leadership in the last 10-15 years. It had not happened under Congress leadership. Lots of school, colleges, roads, bridges etc have been constructed. We wish for more development. Not only bodos are enjoying these developments,” stated the former leader of the Tribal Sangha.

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It may be mentioned that the Tribal Sangha along with a conglomerate of tribal bodies had called a ‘bandh’ on 11 January to protest against the central government’s call to grant ST status to six prominent communities of Assam, namely, the Tai Ahoms, Koch Rajbongshis, Chutiyas, Moran, Motoks as well as tea tribes.

Clashes were also reported to have broken out among ST seekers as well as existing STs in many parts of the states.