GUWAHATI, March 24 � The nascent political party Gana Mukti Sangram, Assam (GMSA) has demanded special State status for Assam under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the six ethnic groups of Moran, Muttack, Ahom, Chutiya, Tea Communities and Koch-Rajbongshis.
In a joint statement issued with the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), the GMSA said here today that these two provisions are vital for �safeguarding the political future� of the people of the State.
According ST status to the above six ethnic groups will raise the number of ST population in the State and this will facilitate special State status for it, said the GMSA and the KMSS. They also fixed March 31 as the deadline for making the policy declaration for the purpose of granting ST status to the above ethnic groups, or else, they warned of vigorous agitation.
