TINSUKIA, Aug 9 - To discuss with the Central Government matters regarding Scheduled Tribe status for six ehnic communities, a 30-member joint forum in the name of �Choi Janagoshtiyo Jatiyo Maha Sanmilan� was formed in a meeting of the representatives of parent organisations of the six ethnic groups on Saturday.
Announcing this in a press meet held at the Tinsukia Press Club, the president of the newly-formed joint forum, Chandra Senapati informed that from now onwards, the new joint forum would have discussions with the authorities regarding the Schedule Tribe status for the six ethnic groups.
While welcoming the move of the Central Government for granting Scheduled Tribe status, the joint forum demanded that the same should be done on or before November 30 next, otherwise it would jointly resort to agitations, which would create a turbulent situation in the State. They further stated that they have no objection if the ST status is granted on the basis of the modalities made in the year 1994, but if any change is made by the Government, it must be made with prior discussion with this forum.
The joint forum was formed in a meeting held at the students hostel of Matak Yuba Chatra Sanmilan, Boroguri here, in which representatives of the State committees of the parent organisations of the communities were present.
The meeting was attended by Teros Goala, president, Asom Chah Janajati Jatiya Mahasabha, Jogeswar Moran, secretary, Sadou Asom Moran Sabha, Chandra Senapati, president, Sadou Asom Matak Sabha, Deba Saikia, president, Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani, Amiya Kr Bora, president, Sadou Asom Chutiya Sanmilani, and Satish Ch Gogoi, Sadou Ahom Sanmilani besides some other office-bearers of the organisations.
