Following the statement made by Tribal Affairs Minister, Juel Oram, that it takes four decades to grant ST status to a community, and hence there’s little hope for fulfilling the demands for ST status, former president of All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) general secretary Biswajit Ray expressed deep grievances through a press release.
It claimed that the Koch Rajbonshis have been struggling since 1968 for ST status and in 1996 were granted ST through an ordinance.
Therefore it is utterly disappointing to know that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs makes such statement which indicates towards putting a full stop to the entire matter.
Ray also criticized the government for making false promises regarding fulfilment of their demands within six months from coming into power.
Ray further said that the excuses given by the Tribal Affairs Minister shows the irresponsible and uninterested way of viewing the struggle of the people.
Claiming this to be humiliating and disrespectful for the community, the leaders asked the ministry to take immediate steps to fulfill their demand for ST status.