Kokrajhar, 16 December (HS):

The proposed rail blockade programme in Kokrajhar has been temporarily suspended and the leaders of the agitation announced on Tuesday. Preparations for the blockade were underway near the Puthigaon Laxmi Mandir area, led jointly by the Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (KSDC), AKRASU, JCPA, KPPIU and several other organisations.

The rail blockade was planned to press for key demands including Scheduled Tribe status for the Koch Rajbongshi community, reorganisation of a separate Kamatapur state, constitutional recognition of the Koch Rajbongshi language and early peace accords with the KLO and KLO (KN).

Organisers stated that the decision to suspend the blockade was taken after receiving an assurance of talks with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs within seven days. Addressing the media, leaders warned that if the promised talks are not held within the stipulated time or turn out to be inconclusive, they would intensify the agitation.

Meanwhile, protestors continued their demonstration at the Puthigaon playground, holding protest programmes in support of their demands.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash