CM’s ’tribal state’ statement: NBBSS warns the government
SILCHAR, July 14: Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahitya Sammelan (NBBSS) has expressed its concern at the recent remark of Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, that his government would have no objection in declaring Assam as a ‘tribal state’ in line with the demand of pro–talks ULFA.
In a statement released to the media here today, Biplab Kumar Goswami, Silchar unit’s Secretary, said that Assam is a multilingual and multiethnic state and this would be completely unjust to declare it as a ‘tribal state’ which might harm the sentiments of other communities living in the state from time immemorial. He warned the government of probable repercussions that might arise if the Centre agreed to the demand of pro–talks ULFA. He added that if this concept of tribal state is accepted, it is quite apprehended that it would only create ground for conflicts and strifes and even lead to bloody situation.
Goswami requested both the Centre and the State to think twice before taking any hasty decision which could lead to violence and bloodshed. “We also want that a peace agreement should be signed between the Centre and the ULFA. But, the controversial and sensitive issues, better to say contentious, have to be avoided in the larger interest of the state,” he added.
The Secretary of NBBSS said that government has to discuss with the representatives of different communities in general and Bengalis in particular before taking any such decision. “We will not accept any unilateral decision of the government.” The Chief Minister’s remark on ‘tribal state’ had landed him in the vortex of controversy which had become a centre stage of debate and discussion. Although the significance and the context of the statement have still remained ambiguous.
Source: The Sentinel
