KOKRAJHAR, July 16 ? The commander in chief of Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam (ACMA), Kanhu Murmu and the chairman of this organisation Xabrias Khakha have demanded ST status to the Adivasi of Assam. Addressing the gathering at its ninth foundation day recently, both the leaders also demanded immediate rehabilitation to the riot-hit Adivasis of lower Assam, especially those affected in the Bodo-Adivasi violence in 1996-98.
At the same time, both the leaders also appealed to the cross-section of people to maintain peace and tranquility. They also appealed to the other militant outfits to solve their problems through parleys ?because we think through violence nothing can be solved, they said. Later taking to the media persons, both the leaders expressed their satisfaction over the ongoing talks with the State Government. Till date the State government has shown positive attitude to solve our problem for which the ceasefire agreement has been extended, they said.
They further informed that on July 10, a delegation team of ACMA met Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi to place before them their demand about ST status to the Adivasis living within the state of Assam, they said. They further said that they have full faith on the BTC administration, and hoped that the BTC would be able to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of not only to Bodos but also of the non-Bodos. Like every years this time also, the Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam observed its 9th Raising Day with a day-long programme at the premises of Failaoguri play ground near Assam-Bengal border in Kokrajhar district.
The daylong programme commenced with guard of honour to the ACMA chairman and flag hoisting by Xabrias Khakha, chairman ACMA. It may be mentioned here that the ACMA came into existence on July 7 in 1996 with only 60 cadres under the leadership of Masi Basu. Later, it raised upto 450 cadres.