Autonomy demand: Tribal bodies flay conspiracy

GUWAHATI, February 2: The political convention on various Tribal communities' demand for autonomy organised by the CPI-ML here today observed that the Indian State machinery was involved in inciting terrorism to derail democratic movements of tribals demanding autonomy. Addressing the convention, the CPI-ML politburo member Swadesh Bhattacharjee alleged that the Indian State machinery had been constantly working for converting those areas where tribals are demanding autonomy, into disturbed areas by encouraging militancy so that it got a handle neutralise these movements. He further alleged that a section of such militants later surrendered and became tool at the hands of the ruling class of the country. He said the Government had done it in Tripura and it was now trying to do it in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills District in the State. He said the recent massacres in Karbi Anglong was a reflection of the conspiracy to derail the Tribal people's movement for an autonomous State." The principle of democracy is based on equality and uniform development which is not achievable without decentralisation of power" he added. Different speakers in the convention which was attended by representatives of various tribal communities in the State, lambasted all political parties in the State for failing to adopt well-defined policy on the problems of Tribal people in the State. The president of All Assam Tiwa Students Union, Pranab Jyoti Machrang said the divide and rule policy adopted by the State Government had complicated the Tribal problem in the State. The general secretary of Mishing Mimag Kebang, Ranoj Pegu said no political problem in the State could be solved without giving due weightage to the demand for autonomy of Tribal people. He called for formation of an alternative united forum by various Tribal organisations before the forthcoming Assembly polls in the State to press for the demand for autonomy. The convention adopted following resolutions: Carving out an autonomous State comprising Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills District as per provision of Article 244 (A) of the Constitution; inclusion on Mishing, Tiwa, Rabha Autonomous Council in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and demarcate boundaries of the Council areas to pave way for holding of election, consideration of autonomy demand raised by Sonowal Kachari Community; immediate solution to the Bodo problem; united struggle by all Tribal forces demanding autonomy status and formation of a revolutionary Left-democratic-progressive force to provide an alternative to facist BJP, anti-people Congress and corrupt AGP.