Morigaon, Oct 25: Expressing deep resentment over alleged long-standing deprivation by successive ruling and opposition governments, the Tiwa community of central Assam has unanimously resolved to float a new regional political party on November 10.
The landmark decision was taken at a massive Tiwa national convention held on Saturday in Morigaon town, jointly organised by five premier apex bodies – All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU), All Tiwa Women’s Association (ATWA), Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council, Tiwa Cultural Society, and Sammilita Gana Manch, Assam – with participation from all 36 constituencies of the Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC).
The five Tiwa organisations decided to convene a political convention at the Morigaon District Library auditorium on November 10 to formally establish the new regional party. They also resolved to contest the forthcoming Tiwa Autonomous Council elections under the party’s own election symbol, setting aside national and other regional political parties.
The convention adopted five major resolutions, notably demanding an accurate electoral roll covering all 113 Tiwa revenue villages for the upcoming polls, appealing to divided community factions to unite, and expressing gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for appointing retired IPS officer Dr Lajja Ram Bishnoi as an interlocutor regarding Sixth Schedule status for the Tiwa, Rabha, and Mising communities.
Addressing the gathering, incumbent TAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Jibon Chandra Konwar and other leaders strongly criticised the State government for treating the autonomous council as a “mere puppet” and lamented the council’s lack of progress despite having an elected legislator from the community in the ruling BJP-led government.
Presided over jointly by ATSU president Prashanta Masrang, Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council president Krishna Konwar, and ATWA vice-president Archana Konwar, the session featured proceedings steered by ATSU adviser Deepak Amsong, an inaugural address by chief adviser Rimal Amsi, and tributes to community forefather Indersing Deuri and Jongal Balahua, legendary warrior symbolising the valour and courage of the Tiwa people.
The lamps were lit by Narayan Kumar Radukakati, founding Chief Executive Member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council, and Subhen Chandra Bordoloi, founding general secretary of the Tiwa Cultural Society, respectively.