GUWAHATI: The United Garo Autonomous Council Movement Committee (UGACMC) has opposed the reported move by the Centre to further categorise the Garo community in Assam into ST (Others) and demanded a clarification on the issue from the state government.
The committee said that the reported move, based on the Assam government’s proposal to award ST (O) status to Garos along with seven other communities such as Hajong, Moran, Matak, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and tea tribes, “is not acceptable”.
“The Garos are one of the indigenous tribes of Assam. Both Garo and Hajong communities of Assam have already been included in list of ST (Plains) by Constitutional amendment in January 2003. So how could the two communities be included in this proposal?” UGACMC (Assam state) chairman, Alex K. Sangma questioned through a statement issued on Saturday.
“It is therefore imperative on the part of the Assam government to issue a clarification on the matter, which has become a distressing issue for the Garos. Moreover, the local television channel, which had reported the news earlier this month, must justify the broadcast,” Sangma said.
The UGACMC chairman stated that the Assam government had sent the proposal to the Centre in 2014 without any justification of the provision of Article 342 (1) (2) of the Constitution.
Memoranda in this regard have already been submitted to the Union home minister, Union tribal affairs minister and state chief minister for necessary action
“Hence, for the holistic development of the region, it is imperative on the part of the Centre to take cognisance of the matter and safeguard the rights of the community,” Sangma said.
Other Garo organisations such as the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Kamrup district zone, too have voiced their opposition against the reported move.