GUWAHATI, Sept 1 - Khilanjia Mancha, a joint platform of around 30 organisations of the indigenous peoples of the State, staged a two-and-a-half hour dharna from 9 am today in front of the Raj Bhawan here in support of its demands that include safeguarding the interests of the indigenous peoples in all respects.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mancha chief convener Anup Chetia, who is also the chief adviser to Prakton ULFA Aikyamancha, said the present situation demands that there should be strict measures to protect the interests of the indigenous peoples of Assam.
To protect their interests, the Government should speedily complete the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Union Government should forthwith withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The governments in the State and at the Centre should also ensure absorption of 100 per cent of indigenous job-seekers in the jobs available in the State, Assam�s flood and erosion should be declared national problems of the country and the flood- and erosion-hit people of the State should be provided adequate compensation and rehabilitation, he said.
He further said that the Mancha also demands that there should not be any eviction of the indigenous peoples from government or forest land without rehabilitation.
The Khilanjia Mancha was formed recently. Organisations like the Indigenous Forum, Assam, Prakton ULFA Aikya Mancha, Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students� Union, Tai-Ahom Yuba Parishad, Anusuchita Jati Chattra Santha, Matak Sanmilani and Sarania Kachari Chattra Santha, among others, have joined hands to form this united platform of indigenous peoples.
Chetia said that the Mancha representatives sent a memorandum to the President of India and the Prime Minister of the country through the office of the Governor today, enlisting the above demands.
