Boko: During a distribution ceremony organized by the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) on Saturday, Frylin R. Marak, Executive Member (EM) of RHAC, made a pointed statement. He urged that if Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members approach the people of the RHAC area to join their party, the people should demand the inclusion of the RHAC under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This, he said, would ensure comprehensive development for the region.
The BJP is currently running a campaign to bring new members into its fold. However, the RHAC has long been demanding the Sixth Schedule, which grants special protections and autonomy to certain tribal regions in India.
Marak pointed out that several political parties have used the promise of the Sixth Schedule to win elections in the RHAC area, but once in power—whether in General or Assembly elections—these promises are forgotten. “The people of the RHAC area have been deprived repeatedly,” said Marak.
At the event, EM Frylin R. Marak distributed various grants to 1,200 beneficiaries across 48 villages under the 24 No. Luki RHA Council Constituency.
The items distributed included bicycles for poor students, roofing sheets for underprivileged families, footballs, volleyballs with nets for local clubs, solar-powered torches to protect against wild elephants at night, hand pumps for needy families, and blankets and yarns for women to make clothes.
Marak also expressed cautious optimism about the progress toward achieving the Sixth Schedule. He highlighted that on February 9, the Assam state government submitted a proposal to the Union Government, seeking the inclusion of the RHAC under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Marak added that if the Sixth Schedule is granted, it would lead to more funding from the Union Government, which in turn would bring comprehensive development to all ethnic groups residing in the Rabha Hasong region.
Also Read: Kamrup DC Deba Mishra visits Lampi along Assam-Meghalaya border