The All Assam Tribal Association (AATS) and other tribal organisations such as All Assam Tribal Youth League (AATYL) and All Assam Tribal Students Union (AATSU) have called for boycott of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia in tribal areas. The organisations said the decision was taken in protest against statements made by Saikia that were perceived to be against the interests of tribal people. These statements sparked outrage in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and other tribal areas of Assam.
Controversial statements and allegations
The CCTOA cited recent statements by Saikia in which he allegedly made comments against the rights of tribal people over land in Sixth Schedule autonomous areas and tribal belts and blocks. Saikia reportedly said that if laws have to be changed, people from Guwahati, Dibrugarh and other areas can buy land in these areas. He also said that the laws of tribal belts and blocks and Chapter-X of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulations Act will not apply in Sixth Schedule areas.
Reaction of tribal organizations
Tribal organizations strongly condemned these statements and termed it anti-tribal. They described Sakia as a person having prejudice against tribal communities. The organizations said that the original tribal people of Assam are deeply hurt by Sakia’s statements. According to them, this statement is a threat to the protection of tribal rights and the Sixth Schedule.
Terms of boycott
The tribal organizations made it clear that the boycott will continue till Sakia withdraws his statements and publicly assures that he will not interfere or amend in any way in the protection laws of the Sixth Schedule autonomous areas and tribal belts and blocks. They said that this step is necessary to protect the rights of the tribal community.
Future and political impact
This boycott can have a profound impact on Assam politics. The popularity of BJP in tribal areas is likely to be affected. Experts say that if the party does not take timely steps and control the situation, it may face challenges in the upcoming elections. The awareness and organizational power of the tribal community has the potential to influence the political scenario.
