Tiwa Community Expresses Strong Resentment Over Long-Standing Deprivation by both Ruling and Opposition Parties
By Dalim Phukan
Morigaon/Assam, Oct 24 : The Tiwa community of Central Assam has expressed strong resentment against what it describes as long-standing deprivation by successive governments led by both ruling and opposition political parties. Reflecting this growing discontent, a massive Tiwa national convention held in Morigaon today unanimously resolved to form a new regional political party on November 10.
The five Tiwa organisations decided to convene a political convention at the Morigaon District Library auditorium on November 10 to formally establish the new regional party. They also resolved to contest the forthcoming Tiwa Autonomous Council elections under the party’s own election symbol, setting aside national and other regional political parties.
The convention further decided to formulate objectives, strategies and future programmes to secure the community’s legitimate rights and entitlements.
The convention was jointly organised at the Gandhi Bhawan auditorium in Morigaon town by the All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU), All Tiwa Women’s Association (ATWA), Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council, Tiwa Cultural Society and Sammilita Gan Manch, Assam. Five important resolutions were adopted at the meeting.
Among the major resolutions, the organisations demanded that the government prepare an accurate electoral roll for the forthcoming Autonomous Council elections, covering all 113 Tiwa revenue villages. They also appealed to the various divided factions within the community to unite in the interest of Tiwa development and progress.
The convention also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for appointing retired IPS officer Dr Lajja Ram Bishnoi as an interlocutor in connection with the demand for granting Sixth Schedule status and autonomous governance to the Tiwa, Rabha and Mising communities.
The convention was presided over jointly by All Tiwa Students’ Union president Prashanta Masrang, Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council president Krishna Konwar and All Tiwa Women’s Association vice-president Archana Konwar.
Among those present were Narayan Kumar Radukakati, founding Chief Executive Member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council and a prominent Tiwa movement leader; incumbent Chief Executive Member Jibon Chandra Konwar; former Chief Executive Member Pawan Manta; Council Chairman Madan Chandra Bordoloi; Vice-Chairman Ankur Deuri; former ATSU presidents Pranab Jyoti Masrang and Prahlad Masrang; adviser Aniruddha Mithi; and ATWA president Jonali Mithi, besides several other senior community leaders and distinguished personalities.
Addressing the convention, Tiwa Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Jibon Chandra Konwar and several other community leaders alleged that the government had been treating the autonomous council as a mere puppet. They expressed deep resentment over what they described as such an approach towards the council.
The speakers also termed it unfortunate that the Tiwa Autonomous Council had failed to make significant progress despite the presence of a legislator from the Tiwa community in the present BJP-led government.
At the outset, ATSU adviser Deepak Amsong explained the objectives of the convention and conducted the proceedings, while chief adviser Rimal Amsi delivered the inaugural address.
The convention witnessed the participation of distinguished personalities and representatives of various organisations from all 36 constituencies of the Tiwa Autonomous Council.
Earlier in the morning, flags of three national organisations, including ATSU, were hoisted. Floral tributes and ceremonial lighting of lamps were also offered before the portraits of Indersing Deuri, regarded as the forefather of the Tiwa community, and Jongal Balahu, the legendary warrior symbolising the valour and courage of the Tiwa people.
The lamps were lit by Narayan Kumar Radukakati, founding Chief Executive Member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council, and Subhen Chandra Bordoloi, founding general secretary of the Tiwa Cultural Society, respectively.
