BONSU Members Meet Meghalaya CM, Call for Unity Among Tribals and Protection of Rights

The members of the Bodo National Students Union(BONSU) from Assam held a meeting with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in Shillong on Wednesday to discuss the pressing need to protect the rights of Tribal communities. The discussion focused on the importance of unity among Tribal communities, especially in relation to the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the proposed 125th Amendment Bill, which is slated for discussion in the Lok Sabha.

Bonjit Manjil Basumatary, President of the BONSU Central Committee, led the delegation in highlighting the need for solidarity among Tribal groups to ensure the safety and security of their communities within the 6th Schedule areas. “We had a fruitful discussion with the honourable CM regarding our safety and security and tribal rights in relation to the 6th Schedule and the 125th Amendment Bill so that it is beneficial for us, the tribals,” he said. “Cooperation among Tribals across the Northeastern states is crucial in safeguarding our rights and ensuring fair representation in governance,” he added.

During the meeting, BONSU also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sangma, urging his government to take prompt action on several pressing demands. Chief among these was the long-standing request for the creation of a separate Bodoland state. The memorandum outlined the need for this new state to address concerns related to self-determination, development, and the preservation of cultural identity within the Bodo community.This meeting comes at a pivotal time as discussions around the 125th Amendment Bill are set to take place, with significant implications for Tribal governance and representation in the region.