Assam: Tribal organisations observe 24-hour strike today 

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state. 

The Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations, Assam has given a call for a 24-hour bandh from 5 am today to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which accorded ST status to the six ethnic groups of the state.

Tribal organisations are of the opinion that tribals are being cornered by not granting them ST status. 

“This strike has been called to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill granting ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam. We are not just being cornered but it is an attempt by both the state and the central government to eliminate genuine tribals from the state,” said a leader of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal organisations. 

The six ethnic groups which have been considered for ST status by the central government are - Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities.

Meanwhile, the Guwahati administration has clamped section 144 CrPC in Guwahati until further orders to prevent any deterioration in law and order situation amidst protests and a 24-hour strike.  

The prohibitory order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Police, East Police District read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me, under section 144 CrPC, I, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, DCP, East Police District, Guwahati, do hereby prohibit assembly of more than five persons, agitation, demonstration, procession and shouting slogans in the entire East Police district, Guwahati covering Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basistha, Hatigaon, Sonapur and Khetri Police station areas under it without prior permission from competent authority.”