KOKRAJHAR , SEP 11: An important meeting was held in between Tribal organisations and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at Loksewa Bhawan in Guwahati on Wednesday on a wide range of issues concerning tribal rights and land protection in the state.
The meeting was attended by Education and Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, representatives of the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), ten tribal organizations, and several tribal student organizations from the Margherita-Tirap area, led by the Tribal Organisations Coordination Committee.
The discussions primarily focused on the land rights of the Tirap Tribal Belt and Block and the political and land rights of the Sema, Singpho, Tai Pakke, Tangsha, and Man Tai-speaking communities.
During the meeting, several key demands raised included the establishment of a Heritage Village to preserve tribal culture, the creation of an Autonomous Council, land protection measures, and political representation in Panchayati Raj institutions.
The meeting also addressed the long-standing demand for the creation of Mech and Hajong Autonomous Councils and other tribal belts and blocks issues across the state of Assam.
Significantly, the Chief Minister entrusted the organizations with the responsibility of submitting a detailed report on the problems of the tribal people of the Tirap region within the next two months, after a thorough study of the issues.
Officials assured that the government would examine the demands carefully before taking further steps.
ABSU president Dipen Boro stated that the meeting was discussed at length on the protection of rights of the tribal and land issues. He has emphasized on demand of Heritage Village, Autonomous council, land protection and political rights in panchayats etc.
” Had an important discussion with Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education and Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary, Ravi Kota and Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisation of Assam (CCTOA), organisations of Tirap area yesterday on protection of Tirap Tribal Belts and Blocks, political and land right to tribals Sema, Singpho, Tai Fake, Tangsha, Man Tai speaking people”, he said.
” The meeting discussed on demand of Heritage Village, Autonomous council, land protection and political rights in panchayats etc. Further, discussed on the demand for creation of Mech, Hajong Autonomous council and issues related to Tribal belts and blocks in Assam”, Boro said.
