Indigenous people demand constitutional recognition

Astha Network brings out a procession marking the 153rd anniversary of Shantal Mutiny in Rajshahi city yesterday.Photo: STAR

Indigenous leaders at a discussion yesterday demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring their rights to their mother tongue, culture and land.
The indigenous leaders also demanded formation of a separate land commission for them and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue.
Their lands are being grabbed and they are being deprived of their rights to their mother tongue and culture, but no governments took any steps for their sustainable development, the indigenous leaders added.
Astha Network, a NGO working for indigenous people, organised the discussion at Padma Manch to observe the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution).
Eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque inaugurated the daylong programme while Proshanto Saha presented the inaugural speech on the occasion.
Language Movement veteran Advocate Golam Arif Tipu was present as the chief guest while Astha President Ganesh Majhi presided over the programme.
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad President Anil Marandi, language movement veteran Abul Hossain, Adivasi Sanskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) Executive Director Rajkumar Shaw, Advocate Michael Saran, journalist Mustafizur Rahman Khan, indigenous leader Amin Kuzur, Sabin Munda, Basanti Murmu, Andrash Biswas, Ramanath Mathato, Dipongkor Lakra and Jumu Biswas also addressed the discussion.
Debashish Pramanik of Astha conducted the discussion.
The speakers also urged the government to observe the day at national level and to ensure the rights of indigenous people to their land and language.