BTC Chief Backs ST Status for Six Communities, Seeks Inquiry Into Assembly Vandalism

BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary reaffirmed that the council supports granting ST status to six communities under either the valley or plains category, provided the rights of existing ST groups are protected. He said the BTC cannot have two ST categories and has recommended clarity on this to the Group of Ministers.

Mohilary also alleged that senior officials of Bodoland University and Kokrajhar University instigated the November 29 vandalism at the BTC Assembly. The council has proposed their removal and will demand a judicial inquiry by a retired Gauhati High Court judge.

The unrest, led by students protesting alleged dilution of ST status, resulted in damage to the Kokrajhar Secretariat and Assembly premises, prompting prohibitory orders in the area.