GUWAHATI, April 1 - Through a huge gathering of people opposing the proposed amendments in the Citizenship Act and demanding supremacy of the indigenous people, the All Assam Students Union along with 29 indigenous bodies of Assam registered a strong protest here today.
The protesters, representing all the tribes and communities of the State, unanimously voiced their opposition to granting citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi migrants, coming to Assam after the cutoff date of 1971, arguing that the proposed amendment in the Act would put a huge burden of illegal migrants on Assam.
The protest programme was also supported by a number of other organisations, including Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad, All Assam Lawyers Association and Central and semi-Central government employees bodies. This apart, Purvottar Marowari Sanmilan, Purvottar Hindustani Sanmilan, Purvottar Marwari Yuba Mancha, Purvottar Hindustani Yuva Samaj and All Assam Bhojpuri Parishad also extended their support to the cause and took part in the demonstration.
The Latasil playground in the city witnessed a sea of humanity today despite inclement weather, with protesters shouting slogans demanding implementation of the Assam Accord and punishment to the culprits of Silapathar incident, besides opposing citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis.
�This gathering of cross section of people in support of our demands is a clear indication for both the Union and State governments. It�s time the government read the writings on the wall and respected the public mandate,� AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya said while addressing the huge assemblage.
�We want to send this message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that people of Assam are still awaiting action on his poll promise of sending back the illegal migrants with bag and baggage. The State Government must also read the pulse of the people, who voted them to power on the promise of protecting indigenous identity,� he said, adding that the people wanted a secure Assam with supremacy of the indigenous people along with Constitutional and economic safeguard.
Members of All Assam Tribal Sangha, All Bodo Students Union and the ethnic bodies representing the Rabha, Tai Ahom, Goriya Moriya, Moran, Muttock, tea tribe, Karbi, Dimasa, Mising, Kalita, Kachari, Koch Rajbongshi and other communities took part in the protest rally today.
Leaders of all the ethnic bodies also addressed the gathering and took a pledge to continue the movement jointly till the State is free from illegal migrants. A procession was also taken out in the city from Latasil playground to AEC Field, Chandmari.
