The Janagosthiya Mahasabha, Assam today held a review meeting followed by a press conference to raise fresh demands for the protection of the rights of indigenous communities in the state. The meeting focused mainly on the long-pending issue of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for several indigenous groups of Assam.
Addressing the media, leaders of the Mahasabha announced the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising representatives of six indigenous communities. The committee has been created to jointly push their demands in a united and organised manner, especially in view of the upcoming political and parliamentary developments.
The JAC demanded that ST status be granted to the six communities before the next Assam Assembly elections. The leaders said the issue has been pending for years despite repeated assurances from different governments, and further delay would be unacceptable. They stated that ST status is essential to protect the social, cultural and economic rights of indigenous people and to ensure fair representation. 
The committee also urged the Assam government to press the Centre to introduce the ST Bill in the forthcoming Parliament session starting on February 1. According to the leaders, without legislative action, promises made to indigenous communities would remain incomplete.
In addition, the JAC demanded a tripartite meeting involving the Union Home Minister, the Assam government and representatives of the Joint Action Committee before the upcoming Parliament session. They said such a meeting is necessary to clearly place their concerns before the Centre and to seek a concrete timeline for action.
The Mahasabha warned that if their demands continue to be ignored, the JAC would decide on further steps in consultation with all six communities.
