MORIGAON, Feb 26 - The 29th foundation day of the All Tiwa Students� Union (ATSU) was observed here at Pobitora Hat on February 25 with a day-long colourful programme. The programme began with flag hoisting by Diganta Kalia, president, ATSU. This was followed by smriti tarpan by Boloram Bordoloi, adviser, ATSU. Altogether 200 delegates of the ATSU took part in the open session which was presided over by Diganta Kalia.
Addressing the gathering, Khagen Chandra Bordoloi, president, Tiwa Jatiya Oikya Mancha dwelt at length about the role of ATSU in the autonomy demand movement of the Tiwa ethnic group of Assam. He said that protecting the land rights of the tribal people of Assam is the need of the hour and for that purpose, autonomy to the Tiwas under the VIth Schedule of the Constitution was the only way out. Speaking on the occasion Jibon Konwar, executive president, Tiwa Jatiya Oikya Mancha said that the proposed expansion of the capital complex will harm the tribal belts of Central Assam and that must be opposed by the ATSU. Lalit Pachani, president, Morigaon unit of AJYCP demanded constitutional provisions to protect the land rights of the indigenous people of Assam.