GOALPARA, Oct 9 � The Garo National Council (GNC) announced a 12-hour bandh from 6 am on October 10 in the Rabha Hasong Council area to protest against the State Govermnent�s decision for holding elections soon.
Arbitson Momin, president, GNC told this correspondent over phone that the bandh call is in protest against the State Government for totally disregarding the aspirations of other communities living in the Rabha Hasong area and their immediate demands are the amendment of the Rabha Hasong Council to include representatives from all other communities residing within the dilineated area and change the name �Rabha-Hasong� to include names of other communities.
He also said that if no action is taken to fulfil their demands by the State Government after tomorrow�s bandh, then the Garo body will have no option but to intensify their agitational process in the days to come.
Meanwhile, the 12-hour bandh call has been supported by other Garo bodies including Garo Women Council, Garo Youth Council, Garo Sahitya Sabha, Garo Students Union and some non-Rabha communities.
Moreover, Jibon Rabha, secretary, All Rabha Students Union (ARSU) told this correspondent that the Council cannot be renamed as according to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Amendment Act, 2005 the word �Rabhas� shall be substituted by the word �Scheduled Tribes� and as such other tribal communities residing in the council area shall enjoy the same status and benefits along with the Rabhas.
He further informed that the fear of non-tribals and members of other communities living in the council area that they will become second class citizens after the Council election is also unfounded as the government has ensured that their rights and interests will be well protected particularly in the matter of land, trade, commerce, etc. according to Clause 10 of the March 10, 1995 Rabha Accord.
He also said that all related issues arising out of misunderstandings among the different communities living in the council area can be solved amicably through discussions.
