The All Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA) took to the streets on Monday, demanding land documents for the local population and improved healthcare facilities in the region.
The protest, led by the Monrangi unit of ATTSA, witnessed a substantial turnout of over a hundred members, supporters, and numerous tea garden workers.
At the Gobindapur Tea Estate, the protest shed light on the pressing issues faced by the tea garden workers and the local community.
One of ATTSA’s key demands was the issuance of land documents to the tea garden workers, ensuring their rightful ownership and providing them with security.
The absence of these documents has been a longstanding problem, leaving the workers vulnerable to exploitation and land disputes.
In addition to land documents, ATTSA emphasized the urgent need for the development of healthcare facilities in the tea garden areas.
These regions have long been neglected in terms of healthcare infrastructure, posing a significant challenge to the well-being of the tea garden workers and their families.
The protesters called for improved access to quality healthcare services, including medical facilities and trained healthcare professionals.
During the protest, members of ATTSA expressed their grievances and issued a warning that if their demands were not promptly addressed, they would escalate their protest activities.
They stressed the importance of their demands, underscoring the well-being and livelihoods of numerous individuals at stake.
AASU Protests Against Teaching Mathematics and Science in English in Vernacular Schools
Meanwhile, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) launched a protest in Lakhimpur district on Thursday, opposing the State Government’s decision to introduce English as the medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science in vernacular schools starting from Class 6.
In North Lakhimpur town, the AASU Lakhimpur district unit organized a three-hour sit-in to express their dissent.
Leading the protest, Lakhimpur AASU president Simanta Neog and general secretary Swaraj Sankar Gogoi strongly criticized the Assam Government’s decision, arguing that it posed a threat to the Assamese language and the mother tongues of indigenous communities in the state.
They asserted that teaching Mathematics and Science in English would hinder the growth and development of Assamese, Bodo, and other local languages.
AASU members reiterated their firm opposition to the government’s decision and called for an immediate withdrawal.
They accused the government of maintaining an obstinate and arrogant stance on the issue and urged reconsideration due to the detrimental impact it would have on Assam’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the AASU protest rally in Dhemaji district saw the participation of approximately 400 members. The rally began at Swahid Bedi premises, passed through Dhemaji town, and concluded at the starting point.
The protesters echoed the concerns raised by their counterparts in Lakhimpur, vehemently opposing the government’s decision and advocating for the preservation and promotion of local languages.
Both ATTSA and AASU’s protests highlight the growing discontent among various sections of Assamese society regarding critical issues such as land rights, healthcare, and language preservation.
These organizations are committed to amplifying their voices until their demands are met, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the welfare and interests of the people they represent.
