Church urges govt. to address Assam tribal issue

The Catholic church condemning Saturday's mob violence on tribal activists demanding Scheduled Tribes status urged the government to address the issue instantly.

According to local sources more than 20 were killed and atleast 200 injured, after a rally of Adivasi Students Union (ASU) turned violent.

“The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India offers its heartfelt condolences to the victims of violence that erupted in Guwahati Saturday,” said CBCI spokesperson Fr Babu Joseph.

“The Tribals of Assam were assembled in Guwahati demanding for Scheduled Tribe status as their counterparts in other parts of the country enjoy. But in the ensuing violence several Tribals were killed and others injured. We send our good wishes to those who are injured for speedy recovery.”

The bandh has paralysed life in most parts of Upper Assam, northern bank of river Brahmaputra as well as some parts of Surama valley.

“It is important to address the long standing demand of the Tribals to get the Scheduled Tribe status so that they can avail the facilities guaranteed under the Constitution of India,” Fr Babu Joseph said.

All Adivasi Students Association of Assam has called for a 36 hour bandh starting Monday.