The BJP’s double-engine government could put on hold a key demand of six communities in Assam to avoid a Manipur-like situation. But such a decision is fraught with political risks
The continuing unrest in Manipur could compel the Assam government to defer its decision on a key issue. A tribal protest against the demand for scheduled tribe (ST) tag to the majority Meitei community was seen as the immediate trigger for the May 3 violence in Manipur.
The Centre has been sitting on a similar demand of six ethnic groups in Assam — Tai-Ahom, Moran, Matak, Sootea, Koch-Rajbongshi and the tea garden community — for decades. They currently come under the other backward classes (OBC) category.
The Centre has been sitting on a similar demand of six ethnic groups in Assam — Tai-Ahom, Moran, Matak, Sootea, Koch-Rajbongshi and the tea garden community — for decades. They currently come under the other backward classes (OBC) category.