6 Assam tribes may soon get ST status
New Delhi:
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
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In a move that will turn Assam into a tribalmajority state, the Centre is planning to notify six communities in the state as Scheduled Tribes.“As per a key demand of Ulfa's pro-talks faction, with which tripartite negotiations were held last week, six Assamese tribes -Koch-Rajbongshis, tea tribes, Tai Ahoms, Morans, Motoks and Chutiyas -are being actively considered for ST status. The home ministry is in touch with the tribal affairs ministry to see the proposal through,“ a senior home ministry official told TOI on Monday .
The faction, led by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, has been voicing concern over the alleged unabated illegal immigration from Bangladesh. It has conveyed to the government that granting ST status to the six communities, now listed as other backward classes (OBCs), was the only way to protect the interests of indigenous people of Assam.
The decision could boost electoral prospects of BJP which has always expressed concern over illegal immigration from Bangladesh, leading to demographic changes in the state.
The faction, led by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, has been voicing concern over the alleged unabated illegal immigration from Bangladesh. It has conveyed to the government that granting ST status to the six communities, now listed as other backward classes (OBCs), was the only way to protect the interests of indigenous people of Assam.
The decision could boost electoral prospects of BJP which has always expressed concern over illegal immigration from Bangladesh, leading to demographic changes in the state.
