HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 23: All Assam Gorkha Students Union, Karbi Anglong District Committee (AAGSU-KADC) criticised the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) stating that despite Gorkhas being one of the Scheduled Tribes in the district are being deprived of benefits and developmental schemes.
In a press conference held at the office of the District Press Club of Karbi Anglong, here on Saturday, the general secretary of AAGSU-KADC, Dipok Dahal said they had been demanding on the State government and KAAC authority to take up steps for the development of the Gorkha community residing in Karbi Anglong.
“A memorandum was given to the chief executive member of KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang regarding various issues and problems of Gorkha and for their uplift. But regretfully the CEM has not invited the AAGSU leaders for discussion,” the general secretary said.
Dahal said, “The Gorkhas have been residing in Karbi Anglong as an indigenous community. They were included as one of the recognised ST communities in the formation of United Mikir Hills and North Cachar Hills District in 1951 under the provision of the Sixth Scheduled.”
AAGSU, KADC said that it has been 71 years since the formation of KAAC, but not much change is seen among the Gorkhas living in Karbi Anglong due to the step-motherly treatment by KAAC.
Ronghang should invite the Gorkhas for a discussion, he said.
Dahal said Gorkhas living on the inter-state border in West Karbi Anglong have been protecting the border. The AAGSU have been demanding the setting-up of a police station for the safety of the people living there which is yet to be done, he added.
He also claimed that the AAGSU leaders had met chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, when he was Education minister and in presence of CEM Ronghang at Kaziranga where AAGSU-KADC were assured the development of the Gorkhas.
The AAGSU-KADC also demanded one MAC seat each from Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. He said the party that gives a ticket to the Gorkha community will have the support of the AAGSU.
The president of AAGSU-KADC, Suraj Chetri was also present at the press conference.