Telangana effect: North East ethnic groups demand rights

Different organizations belonging to four ethnic communities from the state of Assam—Bodo, Koch Rajbongshi, Karbi and Dimasa, and an ethnic group from the neighboring state of Meghalaya—Garo have intensified their demands for a separate state.

While the protestors from Assam have been regularly holding rail and road blockades in the lower Assam areas, the prortestors belonging to the Garo community are frequently resorting to mass gathering and demonstrations. “We have already held several protests in the state—which includes rail and road blockade and also mass demonstrations demanding creation of a separate state, however if the government doesn’t act fast, then we will be forced to further intensify our protests,” said PramodBoro, president of the All Boro Students Union (ABSU).

Following the protests, the centre had invited all the four groups from Assam for talks last month, but representatives from these groups stated that the talks were not satisfactory. "During the talks we had placed our argument on the creation of separate Bodoland and the response was positive. We have been told that discussions will continue and the next round of talks will be held this month (October)," said Boro.

The centre also held similar talks last month with representatives of the other protesting groups in Assam—Karbi, Dimasa and Koch Rajbongshis, but these three groups also alleged that the talks were not fruitful. “We had huge expectations from the talks which we had with the government, but it was unfortunate as it has not been fruitful till date. We hope the government shows sincerity in dealing with this sensitive issue and keeps its promise of fair talks in the future,” said Biswajit Ray, president of All Koch Rajbongshis Students Union (AKRSU), who is spearheading the movement demanding a separate state for the Koch Rajbongshis.

On being asked the future course of action if the ongoing talks don’t deliver the desired results, the representatives of these ethnic groups said that their protests and agitation will go on till their demand for separate states are. They also warned of intensifying their agitations.

"The demand for a separate Bodoland is the aspiration of the Bodo people, for which our leader Upendranath Brahma had launched a movement in 1987. In the 1990s, the government created the Bodoland Autonomous Council. Then the Bodoland Territorial Council was formed under the Sixth Schedule. All these arrangements failed to fulfill the aspirations of the Bodo people and only a separate state can help realize them. Separate Bodoland is our constitutional right and our struggle will be a relentless one," said Boro.

The groups also argued that had the Sixth Schedule arrangement been able to fulfill the aspirations and safeguard the identities of tribals in the state, the Karbis and Dimasas too would not have demanded a separate state. "The Sixth Schedule status to KarbiAnglong and DimaHasao were the oldest ones in the state. But the extent of backwardness and poor governance over the years have compelled the people of these two districts to realize that the administrative arrangement under sixth schedule is not an adequate measure to help the Karbis and Dimasas to develop in all fields," said Ray.

Clifford Marak, a GaroMLA, who is part of the group demanding a separate state for the Garos said: “The Centre should consider creation of separate Garo and Khasi-Jaintia states in Meghalaya based on linguistic lines as envisaged in the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.”

The Assam chief minister, however, made it clear that he is opposed to any further division of Assam, and said: "We do not want any more division of the state. We want to stay as one unit." "The situation in Andhra Pradesh is different from ours. We should work to remove the tendency of people asking for separate states to address their grievances," the chief minister said.

Playing a safe card on the issue, the Assam government has also appealed to all the groups and individuals in the state who are opposed to creation of separate states from Assam, not to be carried away by emotions.

"The central government has only started discussions with different groups. The talks are in the preliminary stage and no decision to create separate states has been taken. The state government appeals to all people to stay composed and not get carried away by emotions. The state government is committed to addressing the grievances of every community," said Bharat Chandra Narah, press advisor to the Assam chief minister.

Social activists have however pointed out that separate states won’t solve any problems. The issues can only be addressed by adequate development in all parts of the State, and for this, every community in the State will have to understand and see that the government has honest intention of solving the problems and bringing about development.

“The key to solving this problem is uniform and adequate development all over the State. I also strongly feel that the government should stop looking at short–term solutions – such as promises for development packages when any problem surfaces – and should look for long–term and concrete solutions,” said Sabita Devi, advocate and convener, Centre for Environment, Social and Policy Research (CESPR)