Guwahati: The apex tribal body of Assam, the All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS), on Tuesday openly came out in support of the delimitation draft.
“We are happy that the number of assembly seats reserved in Assam for Scheduled Tribes (ST) has been increased as per population from 16 to 19,” said AATS secretary general Aditya Khakhlari in a news conference on Tuesday. The All Assam Tribal Youth League also welcomed the delimitation draft.
A core committee meeting of the AATS and the youth league, held in Sivasagar on June 25, however, demanded ST reservation for Morigaon assembly seat in central Assam. AATS said it has decided to demand the ECI to reserve Morigaon for STs by incorporating the neighbouring three mouzas which area inhabited by tribal people since ages. “Morigaon was reserved for STs till 1977. We want that status restored,” Khakhlari added.
The association also demanded that the newly created Dimoria assembly seat be put under open category. According to the draft, Dimoria has been reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC). “Dimoria is a tribal-inhabited region where Karbi, Tiwa and other tribals live. Once this seat gets reserved for SC, the tribals will not be able to contest from here,” Khakhlari added.
He said Nawboicha seat in Lakhimpur district, where about 40% voters are Mising tribals, should be kept in open category and that Majuli assembly segment be brought under Lakhimpur LS seat.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.Kangkan Kalita is a reporter with The Times of India and covers i...
Read MoreKangkan Kalita is a reporter with The Times of India and covers issues on health, education, stories of human interest while keeping a close watch on political developments and student movements. Reporting on environment and forest related issues and concerns of the northeast interest him equally.
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