Meitei groups in Assam stage sit-in, seek inclusion under Clause 6 of Assam Accord

Silchar: Members of the Meitei community on Friday staged a peaceful sit-in protest demanding their inclusion under Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which provides for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social and linguistic identity of Assam’s indigenous people.The demonstration was organised by the All Assam Indigenous Meiteis Association and the All Assam Meiteis Women Protection and Development Committee. Protesters said the Meitei community, despite residing in Assam for generations, continues to be excluded from the benefits and protections envisaged under Clause 6.Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, signed in 1985 following the six-year Assam Agitation, provides for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. However, the question of who should be recognised as beneficiaries of these safeguards has remained politically contentious, with several indigenous and ethnic communities seeking inclusion.Addressing the gathering, representatives of the organisations urged chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take immediate steps to bring the Meitei community within the ambit of Clause 6. They also sought special safeguards for the community in the fields of education, language, culture and social security.The protesters argued that the Meiteis are among Assam’s indigenous communities and deserve constitutional recognition and protection to preserve their distinct identity and ensure their overall development.Participants from different sections of society joined the programme and called for early government intervention to address the community’s long-pending demands. The protest concluded peacefully.