MSM threatens to launch agitation on delimitation issue

Jamshedpur, Jan 30 (UNI) The Moolvasi Sadan Morcha (MSM), an amalgamation of some non-NDA and non-UPA parties and social organisations, today threatened to launch a statewide agitation in February if demlimitation was not enforced in Jharkhand.

The Jharkhand Vikash Dal (JVD) and newly floated Jharkhand Lok Morcha (JLM), the two important constituents of the MSM, threatened to launch an agitation against the ''monoply and arbitrary attitude'' of the tribal leaders of Jharkhand.

In a joint press meet here, JVD president Suraj Mandal and JLM president Shailendra Mahto demanded major share for the 78 per cent population in the state.

They questioned the Centre's decision of non-implementation of the Delimitation Commission's recommendation in Jharkhand, citing the reason that ''Jharkhand is an Adivasi-dominated state''.

''But the reality is that the percentage of the tribal population is 21.3 per cent now and if the delimitation is not implemented, the majority 78 per cent will be deprived,''the leaders claimed.

They suggested instead of scrapping the delimitaiton, the Centre should increase the number of Assembly and Parliamentary seats in the state.

''The ordinance should be brought not to stop delimitation but for the enhancement of seats, which is the only solution to this imbroglio,'' the leaders opined.

Mr Mahto urged the Centre to review the relevance of the Scheduled Areas.

He also came down heavily on the issue of appointing tribal Chief Minister in Jharkhand.

''There is no constitutional provision for a tribal Chief Minister, then why the non-tribals will not get their due share and rights,'' Mr Mahto said.

Mr Mandal said a delegation of the Morcha had already met Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibety Razi on January 15 and submitted a memorandum. The MSM would again statge a ''Dharna'' before the Governor's house on February seven, demanding Mr Razi's intervention on the issue.

''We will announce the date of Jharkhand bandh call on the same day,'' Mr Mandal said.

UNI BDG DPM SP AS1749