Murmu opposes reduction of seven ST assembly seats in J'khand

Jamshedpur, Jan 23 (UNI) National president of Adivasi Adhikar Morcha Salkhan Murmu has strongly opposed the Delimitation Commission's proposal to reduce Scheduled Tribes MLA seats in Jharkhand assembly to 21 from the present 28.

''The proposal is anti-tribal and unjustified. Hence, its needs to be opposed as the Indian Constitution has the provisions to safeguard the interests of the tribals,'' he told mediapersons here today.

Mr Murmu said he wrote a letter to Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda to stop any such move.

He suggested the passage of an appropritate resolution in Tribes Advisory Council and joint petition to the chairman National Commission for Schduled Tribes to defend the ST interest by retaining all seven ST assembly seats.

Mr Murmu, a former MP, said even the President could be specifically asked to constitute a commission to report on the administration of the scheduled areas and the welfare of the ST in the states as per Article 339 of constitution to tide over the crisis.

He also lauded the role of Mr Koda for convening an all party meeting over the issue and meeting the Prime Minister to request such a measure be stopped.

UNI