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ST status: Govt facing wrath

Six ethnic communities are up in arms against the Centre and state government after their demand for ST status was turned down citing lack of required criteria.

The All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union threatens to launch a massive agitation in Delhi and Dispur alleging that the government has failed to keep its promises.

Talking to Assam Times in Dispur on Tuesday, AATASU leaders said that they are fully prepared to face eventuality if the Ahoms do not get ST status.  

“We will stage dharna even in New Delhi if need be. It is our due. Both BJP and Congress have prised a lot before the polls. But only to woo the voters,” said a senior AATASU leader who was in Dispur to stage dharna in protest against the Centre’s decision.

Koch Rajbanshi students are equally angry with the Centre’s denial of ST status. Talking to Assam Times that they said that they won’t remain silent if the government fails to keep its poll promises.

“We won’t wait for indefinite period. We only demand our due. Why the Centre needed so long period to reject the demand,” said a senior Koch Rajbanshi student leader who would soon hit the streets.

Same sentiments echoed when Muttock student leaders told Assam Times after the Centre rejected the demand for ST status along with five other communities.

The Muttock student leaders blamed both Delhi and Dispur for the impasse. “Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has failed to properly take  up the issue with the Centre to keep his promises which he has been making for the last ten years. BJP can’t escape the responsibility for it as they made lots of promises in the time of electioneering,” said a Muttock student leader.

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