Chaos spread over Assam as different ethnic groups in the state revolted against the demand for a separate state, Telangana. They are extremely agitated at Central Government’s decision to grant a separate Telangana state.
Bodos, Dimasa and Karbis are the main groups that stood in the front line during the revolt. Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) which is an ally of the ruling Congress party was the first group to protest against the statehood demand.
BPF leader Hagrama Mohilary said, "If Telangana can be carved out of Andhra Pradesh, why not a separate Bodoland in Assam." He added, "We are surely going to revive our demand for Bodoland and launch a sustained mass movement to fulfill our aspirations."
All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dimasa People's Council (DPC) also protested against the separate statehood and demanded for 'Dimaraji' state for the Dimasa tribe in Assam.
Mrinal Kanti Phonglosa, DPC president said, "The government earlier said a state within states was not good, but now with the central government agreeing for Telangana, we also feel we should get our rights. Dimaraji is not just a demand, it is a fact and our birth right."
The Karbi tribe was no backward in the demand for separate state as they raised voice for a Karbi homeland.
Situation in Assam has turned tense because all the tribes that are demanding separate states have militant backing. "The Telangana episode would have a major impact in the region and unless we get our Bodoland there cannot be permanent peace," S. Sangjarang, publicity chief of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) said.
Chaos spread over Assam as different ethnic groups in the state revolted against the demand for a separate state, Telangana. They are extremely agitated at Central Government’s decision to grant a separate Telangana state.
Bodos, Dimasa and Karbis are the main groups that stood in the front line during the revolt. Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) which is an ally of the ruling Congress party was the first group to protest against the statehood demand.
BPF leader Hagrama Mohilary said, "If Telangana can be carved out of Andhra Pradesh, why not a separate Bodoland in Assam." He added, "We are surely going to revive our demand for Bodoland and launch a sustained mass movement to fulfill our aspirations."
All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dimasa People's Council (DPC) also protested against the separate statehood and demanded for 'Dimaraji' state for the Dimasa tribe in Assam.
Mrinal Kanti Phonglosa, DPC president said, "The government earlier said a state within states was not good, but now with the central government agreeing for Telangana, we also feel we should get our rights. Dimaraji is not just a demand, it is a fact and our birth right."
The Karbi tribe was no backward in the demand for separate state as they raised voice for a Karbi homeland.
Situation in Assam has turned tense because all the tribes that are demanding separate states have militant backing. "The Telangana episode would have a major impact in the region and unless we get our Bodoland there cannot be permanent peace," S. Sangjarang, publicity chief of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) said.
