Year after Adivasi rally violence, no steps to check recurrence

Guwahati, Nov 24 (UNI) A year after mob violence rocked the state capital during an Adivasi rally, the community is no closer to attaining Scheduled Tribe status, nor is the administration any better poised to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

The rally taken out by the Adivasi community had led to large-scale vandalism in Beltola area of the city on this very day last year, which had resulted in the death of one person and injuries to scores of others.

The images of a young Adivasi girl being stripped and assaulted by hoodlums during the frenzy had grabbed national headlines and left a scar on the image of the state forever.

However, even after a year has elapsed since the incident, nothing concrete has materialised in ensuring that such incidents do not recur.

The one-member Justice (retd) Manisena Singh Commission, constituted to identify the culprits and recommend measures to stop recurrence, had long submitted its report, but no changes have been made in the civil or police administration as per the recommendations.

The Commission's accusing finger towards the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) for its role in instigating the violence has so far not been able to bring a ban notice against the outfit, even after AANLA has been found to be involved in subversive activities, including bombing trains.

The rally was organised to demand ST status for the community, but the Adivasis are yet to be accorded it, though the state government has promised of sympathetically dealing with the demand and also announced of a developmental council for the community.

The Adivasi girl, Lakhsmi Orang, who was stripped, has, however, transformed from a frightened girl to a self-assured person, who is now set to contest Lok Sabha polls next year.

She had refused a government job and Rs one lakh compensation from the government.

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