Tiwa Community Leaders Unite for Political Representation in Morigaon
Political Convention Highlights Tiwa Community's Demands
Several prominent Tiwa leaders addressed the gathering and raised a series of demands, including the inclusion of the Tiwa Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule
Morigaon, Nov 12: A significant political gathering took place in Morigaon on Tuesday, organized by the All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU) along with various Tiwa national organizations. The event aimed to shed light on the perceived neglect and discrimination faced by the historically important Tiwa community in Central Assam from both Central and State authorities.
During the event, a new regional political entity named ‘Tiwa Jatiya Mancha’ was established in anticipation of the upcoming Tiwa Autonomous Council elections. This party is dedicated to addressing the core issues and challenges specific to the Tiwa community.
A 21-member executive committee was formed at the convention, electing Subhen Bordoloi, a leader in the Tiwa movement, as president, with Dipak Amsang as general secretary and Rimal Amsi serving as chief adviser.
The presidium for the convention included ATSU president Prashanta Masrang, Tiwa Yuva-Chhatra Parishad president Krishna Konwar, All Tiwa Women’s Association president Jonali Mithi, and Tiwa Cultural Society vice-president Bokind Masrang.
Numerous influential Tiwa leaders spoke at the event, articulating demands such as the inclusion of the Tiwa Autonomous Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. They also insisted on the creation of a precise electoral roll that includes all villages inhabited by the Tiwa community prior to the council elections.
Additionally, the leaders criticized Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Deuri and the ruling BJP government in Assam. They cautioned that Tiwa national organizations would unite to oppose any attempts by the State government to modify Section 54 of the Tiwa Autonomous Council Act, which could allow MLA Deuri to assume the role of Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the council.
The organizations declared their intent to resist MLA Deuri's involvement in election campaign events across any council constituencies, accusing him of fostering instability within the Tiwa Autonomous Council for his political aspirations to reclaim the CEM position.
Resolutions passed during the convention expressed strong discontent regarding alleged efforts by certain anti-tribal factions to form a Town Committee in Jagiroad. The attendees demanded the immediate cessation of such initiatives and urged the government to establish the Jagiroad Town Committee only after granting constitutional recognition to the Tiwa Autonomous Council.
Another resolution welcomed the Assam government's initiative to allocate around 6,000 bighas of land in the Nellie region of Morigaon district for a Defence Park. However, the convention insisted that residents currently living on the proposed land should not be relocated to protected belt and block areas under any circumstances, vowing to oppose such actions.
The establishment of Tiwa Jatiya Mancha signifies a pivotal political shift for the Tiwa community as they prepare for the forthcoming Tiwa Autonomous Council elections, with leaders advocating for enhanced constitutional protections, political representation, and safeguarding of Tiwa-inhabited territories.