GUWAHATI, May 19 � The Coordination Committee Against Superstition, Assam, has demanded upon the State Government to take urgent steps to expeditiously translate the full text of the �Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Bill, 2015� into Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Hindi, etc. languages and make them easily accessible to the common people.
In a statement here today, the Coordination Committee, which is an umbrella organization comprising the Assam Science Society, Ellora Vigyan Mancha, Mission Birubala, Gyan-Vigyan Samity, Jukti Bikash Samity, JSA, NESPYM, Prasesta, All Bodo Students� Union, Assam Tea Tribes Students� Association, among others, said since the issue is largely related to superstitions prevalent among the backward communities in particular, the translation has become imperative for better understanding of the� contents of Draft Legislation.
The Coordination Committee also urges the Government to extend the date for submission of views and opinions from the public by at least another 15 days beyond June 7, 2015, as specified in the Government notice. It is the considered opinion of the Committee that given the sensitive and complex nature of the problem of witch hunting in Assam, a serious and thorough study of the draft bill among various sections of the people, including social scientists, legal experts, academicians, social activists, among others, is necessary for introduction of a stringent legislation to curb the menace of such medieval and barbaric practices.
For careful consideration of all aspects and for a realistic approach, the government should�extend the time limit for submission of opinions. However, under no circumstances, the Government should delay the introduction of the draft bill in the State Assembly. It must fulfill its own promises and assurances given to the Gauhati High Court in this regard.
The Coordination Committee has already submitted a memorandum to the Government with the above demands,�the Committee stated.
