JDP threatens indefinite economic blockade from Dec 18

Jamshedpur, Nov 29 (UNI) Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) today threatened to call a statewide bandh on December 17 and an indefinite economic blockade from the next day if the Centre failed to provide Schedule Tribe (ST) status to the tribals of Assam.

JDP Chairman and secretary general of All India Adivasi Coordination Committee (AIACC) Salkhan Murmu told mediapersons here that the Centre's rejection to provide ST status to the Adivasis of Assam was actually a ''Death Warrant'' to the tribals as well as an insult to the community.

He suggested that the government rectify its statement and bring a bill in the monsoon session of Parliament. If the government failed to do so, the JDP and other adivasi parties and organisations would be left with no option but to go for long-term agitation to exert pressure on the government, Mr Murmu warned.

Mr Murmu said the prominent tribal organisations of Assam, All Adivasi Students Association (AASA), Adivasi Cobra, All Asom Santhal Students Union and several other tribal organisations would visit Jharkhand in December to appeal the tribals of the state for their cooperation to wage battle against the injustice meted out to the tribals.

Mr Murmu, an Ex-MP, said demonstrations, meetings and seminars would be held in all the district headquarters of the state from December 9 to 15 to mobilise public support and create awareness among the tribal people for their rights.

He said JMM president Shibu Soren had lost all credibility by airing anti-tribal statements and proved himself an anti-tribal.Mr Soren also tried to supress the adivasi movements, Mr Murmu alleged and added that time had come for the tribals to reject Mr Soren if they wanted to survive.

Mr Murmu said he would rush to Guwahati tomorrow to discuss with the adivasi leaders of Assam to chalk out their future course of action.

UNI