Our Correspondent
Diphu, Nov. 25 (EMN): The Left-leaning faction of Karbi Students Association (KSA) led by Simeon Rongphar, along with 15 other social organisations of Karbi Anglong, has called for a 12-hour Karbi Anglong bandh on Nov. 26 to protest the move to grant ST (H) status to the Bodo tribe living in the hill districts of Assam, i.e., Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
While announcing the bandh, the president of KSA, Simeon Rongphar said, “We are not opposing the BLT Accord as such that was signed between extremist organisation and the Centre on February 10, 2003. The Bodos are trying to develop their area and we are glad for them. They should understand that we are not against them.
“When we met the (Assam) Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the issue even he admitted that granting ST (H) to the Bodos will disturb the whole environment in the hills.”
He further said that “peace should be maintained during the bandh. I appeal to all to cooperate with us. During the bandh we exempt emergency services, milk, water supply and students having exams. I appeal to the competent authority to scrape BLT (Accord) Clause 8 and implement Art. 244(A) as promised in the last election campaign (by BJP).”
