TINSUKIA, Nov 5 � �Makum� the meaning of which, is the �place of meeting� in Thai language will create history again as, on November 10 the people who had to leave India, especially from Makum about 48 years back during the Chinese aggression in 1962, will meet here again.
Spirited and enthused both by the novel Makam by Rita Chaudhury and the recent amendments to the Enemy Property Act, the Chinese origin people from different parts of Assam and nearby states will be meeting at Makum, which was mostly inhabited by these people prior to 1962.
There were two medium-sized industrial houses namely CM IIo and Ming owned by the Chinese people. There were also mechanics, dentists etc. among the Chinese people who played a major role in the industrialisation of upper Assam, specially in the then undivided Lakhimpur district consisting of present Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts.
Still now, there are nine Chinese origin families living in and around Makum. The meeting will be organised by a local group of people. The group informed at a press meet at Makum that Rita Chaudhury would also attend the conference.
Moran students� stand: The All Assam Moran Students Union has reasserted the demand for ST status for the Morans. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the executive committee members warned that if the meeting to be held with the Chief Minister on November 22 is not fruitful, then the union would resort to 24-hour Tinsukia district bandh on November 25.
The meeting also resolved to resort to sit-in dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner�s office here on November 12 over its various demands including reservation of seats in all educational institutions, jobs for Moran youths in government services, self-governance etc.