Assam Accord Panel on Clause 6 to Submit Suggestions by January 15

GUWAHATI: A 14-member committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which provides for safeguards to protect the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people, is likely to submit its recommendations as scheduled, by January 15.
“The committee will visit the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Haso to interact with the people there,” a member of the committee, who did not want to be identified, told ET. “We are meeting the time schedule and will require no extension. We will submit our recommendations within the stipulated six-month time.” The ministry of home affairs had set up the committee, headed by Justice BK Sharma, formerly of the Gauhati High Court, on July 15. The panel sought views, comments and suggestions on measures to be taken regarding the reservation of seats in legislative houses and local bodies for the indigenous tribal, indigenous Assamese and other indigenous people of Assam.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently met the members of the committee and asked them to submit their recommendations on time.

The BJP-led government is waiting for the panel’s report to counter protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which have engulfed Upper Assam. The protestors fear that those who will be granted citizenship under this law will flood these areas.

Meanwhile, Congress announced over Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for each family of the five persons killed anti-CAA protest.