Students of G.C. College raises voice of protest against Clause 6 of Assam Accord, submits Memorandum to PM

September 12: It’s often alleged that the present generation or the students of present era are indifferent to the various aspects of social problems, be it the issue of NRC or Clause-6 of the Assam Accord. They are alleged to have been dwelling in an illusionary world of social media. However, on the face of such criticisms, a group of students from Gurucharan College (G.C. College), Silchar raised their voice of protest against Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

On Thursday, students of G.C.College were seen demonstrating in front of the main gate of the prestigious institute, a premier hub of education of this region. Slogans were raised against ‘Clause 6’ which they regarded as against the interests of the people of this valley.

After demonstrating in front of the main gate, the students went to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Cachar. A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was handed over to the Executive Magistrate in the absence of the Deputy Commissioner for onward transmission.

Later on expressing their views before the media, the students told that they felt it a necessity to raise their voice against Clause 6 of Assam Accord as it its implementation would rob-off the youth of this valley from jobs and many other benefits in the future.

They said, “We vehemently oppose the move of the state and the central government in implementation of Clause-6. We have appealed to the Prime Minister seeking justice. Barak Valley should be kept out of the ambit of Clause 6 as none from this valley was a party to the Assam Accord.”

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord reads: “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.” The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985.

The Union Home Ministry has set up a high-level committee to look into the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. In a statement, the Home Ministry said the committee would examine the effectiveness of actions since 1985 to implement Clause 6. It would hold discussions with all stakeholders and assess the quantum of reservation of seats in the Assembly and local bodies for Assamese people. It will also assess the steps required to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam, reservation in state government jobs, and other measures.