GUWAHATI, July 20 - Demanding ST status for the Chutia community, naming the fourth bridge over the Brahmaputra after Virangana Sadhani and also declaring a government holiday in her name on the seventh day of the month of Bohag, the All Assam Chutia Students� Union started a fast unto death here from today.
The protest taken up against the Assam government�s indifference towards their long pending demands started at the Lakhidhar Bora Kshetra. Sati Sadhani was the last queen of the Chutia dynasty who sacrificed her life for the kingdom. The government has declared a restricted holiday on the occasion of Sati Sadhani Diwas. But, the students� body wants to convert it into a full-fledged government holiday.
�We decided to stage the strike in the capital city after our several representations to a number of State ministers, legislators and Members of Parliament over the years. In a meeting with State Irrigation Minister Ranjit Dutta and Jorhat MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, we were assured that our demands would soon be discussed with the Chief Minister and Commissioner Secretary. However, despite a prolonged wait, the government did not fulfil its promise,� said Khsirod Saikia, president of the students� body.
