DIBRUGARH, July 29 � The All Tai Ahom Students� Union (ATASU) today demanded that the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sarbananda Sonowal refrain from playing politics over the issue of scheduling of the Ahom community in the State.
The Pranjal Rajkonwar-led ATASU today brought forth serious allegations on Sonowal, stating that the BJP leader was making attempts to divide the Ahom community by promoting a fake ATASU faction so as to garner votes from the Ahom community through them. �We have been involved in discussions with the Centre on the issue of ST status and have carried out a series of agitational programmes in support of our demand since the past several years, but the Sonowal is seeking to involve the newly-created ATASU faction in the discussion for ST status with the Centre,� Rajkonwar told newsmen during a press conference here.
Rajkonwar alleged that Sonowal was trying to promote a few leaders from the Ahom community through �divide and rule� politics with a dream to become the next Chief Minister with their support. �Sonowal has also been cleverly influencing the leadership of the All Assam Students� Union (AASU) for political mileage. The AASU leaders have refrained from criticising the policies of the BJP, which have been affecting the State,� Rajkonwar who was also critical of the AASU during the conference, said.
Rajkonwar further said that the Centre must accord ST staus to the Ahom community without playing politics over the issue. If attempts are made to create factions among the Ahom community for selfish political gains, the Ahom community will respond appropriately during the ensuing polls, he warned.
