'Take steps for indigenous people's development'

Adibasi Students Association of Rajshahi University (ASARU) at a press conference held at Rajshahi University Press Club yesterday demanded constitutional recognition to the indigenous people.
At a press conference held at Rajshahi University Press Club marking the 153rd anniversary of Santal Hull (revolution), ASARU raised a 10-point demand.
The demands include more indigenous people's quota in higher education and government service sector, introduce the indigenous children' mother tongue as the medium of their primary education, a separate land commission for indigenous peoples, formation of a separate ministry for the plain land indigenous people, establish indigenous students education, culture and research centre in every educational institutions, recognition of indigenous freedom fighters, ensure indigenous representative in local and national election and immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the killers of Alfred Soren, Soma Hasda, Sarker Tudu and withdrawal of all the false cases against Adibasi people.
The indigenous student leaders urged the government to implement the demands of the indigenous people.
ASARU President Mukul Kisku read out a written statement during the press conference.
ASARU General Secretary Maikel Baskey, ASARU executive member Habil Mardy, Samaun Hasda and Harendranath were also present.
At a view exchange meeting with government and non-government officials at Godagari Upazila Office auditorium yesterday, indigenous leaders demanded ensuring democratic, social, economic and cultural rights for indigenous people and ethnic minorities.
Lahanti Akra Forum, a forum working for indigenous people in Godagari area, organised the view exchange meeting.
Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sarwar Murshad Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the meeting with Lahanti Akra Forum President Niren Khalko in the chair.