Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi, Nov 27: Notwithstanding the spiralling violence in Assam, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday rejected the adivasi demand for Scheduled Tribes status. The adivasis have been maintaining all long that ST status is required to protect their unique identity in the state.
Patil said, “By turning violent, these tribals have lost their tribal bearings.” He also said these tribals do not have ST status even in their own states.
Meanwhile, fresh violence rocked Assam as protesting tribals held a rally in Sonitpur district where almost 20,000 people participated. The rally, called by All Assam Adivasi Association, turned violent and attacked locals of the area, leaving 11 people injured.
These protesting tribals also beat up people in the Tejpur district and ransacked shops. In Kokrajhar district, they burnt vehicles and buses. One person was killed and two others were injured in the violence, as per reports.
Earlier, the violence in Guwahati in the wake of a demonstration by tribals demanding ST status created uproar in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, forcing its adjournment for an hour.
The House witnessed a verbal duel between BJP member Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs B K Handique, who hails from Assam, after the Home Minister Shivraj Patil's statement rejecting the tribals demand in the matter.
First Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 00:00