Assam News: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary on Wednesday presented the council’s clear stance on the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state. Speaking to reporters during a Martyrs’ Day program in Kokrajhar, Mohilary said the BTC has no objection to granting ST status, whether under the ‘V’ (Valley) or ‘P’ (Plains) category, provided the honor and rights of the existing Scheduled Tribes are protected.
He clarified, “There cannot be two categories of STs within the BTC. If it’s ‘V’, it will remain ‘V’, and if it’s ‘P’, it will remain ‘P’. As a council, we will recommend this to the GoM (Group of Ministers).” Mohilary reiterated that the BTC government supports ethnic classification while respecting all communities and their traditions.
Allegations of attack on BTC Assembly and demand for inquiry
The BTC chief leveled serious allegations against the registrars and deputy registrars of Bodoland University and Kokrajhar University. He said that according to preliminary information, these officials played a key role in instigating the attack on the BTC Assembly on November 29. Mohilary said, “According to the information received, the November 29 incident was caused by three accused. They incited the agitators.”
It was decided in the BTC executive meeting that a proposal would be moved to remove these officials from the council. Furthermore, Mohilary said the council would demand a judicial inquiry into the matter by a retired judge of the Gauhati High Court. He assured that “all the facts will be made public after a thorough investigation.”
Vandalism and agitation at Kokrajhar Secretariat
The incident of vandalism at the Kokrajhar Secretariat occurred when a group of students was protesting against the alleged dilution of ST status following the government’s GoM report. The protesters broke the secretariat gate, entered the premises, and damaged parts of the BTC Assembly building. A day after the incident, the Kokrajhar district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This prohibited public movement and gatherings in the secretariat complex and surrounding areas of Kokrajhar town. This step was taken to control violence and maintain order.
BTC’s Policy and Future Course of Action
BTC chief Mohilary clarified that the council is in favor of granting ST status while respecting all communities, but any decision should not affect the rights of the existing tribes. The council has also demanded strict action and a judicial inquiry into the violence that occurred on November 29. This reinforces the BTC’s policy of protecting the rights of all communities while simultaneously maintaining law and order. Mohilary stated, “The future course of action will be decided only after all the facts come to light, and the council will protect the interests of all communities.”
