GUWAHATI: Assam Sahitya Sabha, the apex literary organisation of the state, has convened a meeting with various indigenous organisations here on January 12 to discuss issues pertaining to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, ST status to six communities and “the threat” posed to Assamese and indigenous languages by the Bill.
The Sabha has in a statement issued here categorically maintained its opposition to the contentious Bill, saying it will “never accept the legislation”.
“The urgency shown by the Centre and the state government to pass the Bill in Parliament is nothing but sheer disrespect to the indigenous people of Assam. India’s diversity lies in its secularism and democracy and the attempt to ‘saffronise’ such a democracy is regrettable,” Paramananda Rajbongshi, the president of the Sabha, said in the statement.
The literary body held the Assam government accountable for the unrest and agitation in the state in the wake of the Bill being approved by the Cabinet, alleging that the state ignored the will of the people.
“The Sabha is keeping a close eye on the present unrest in the state and therefore no political power or other elements should take advantage of the situation and destroy peace in the state. We also appeal to the agitating organisations to be conscious in this regard,” Rajbongshi said.
He also pointed out that the Sabha has not shirked a bit from the responsibility bestowed by the people of Assam, during the state convention in May last year, to protect the interests of indigenous communities.
“Therefore, the Sabha will hold consultations with various indigenous organisations and take their opinions during the January 12 meet (at the Sabha office). A consensus will be sought on issues relating to the Bill and the danger it poses to language apart from the decision by the Centre to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities of the state,” he added.
The Sabha has already initiated consultations with the All Assam Students’ Union in the regard apart from holding meetings with some other organisations as well.