Congress leader Ripun Bora has voiced strong support for the urgent implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. Speaking about the ongoing discussions around the accord, Bora highlighted the importance of fulfilling the promise to safeguard the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Assam. The Assam Accord, signed in 1985 between the Government of India and leaders of the Assam Movement, was a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the issues surrounding illegal immigration and the protection of Assamese culture. Clause 6 of the accord specifically provides for constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards for the Assamese people.
Ripun Bora emphasized that the Congress party has always backed the Assam Accord and has welcomed the implementation of its various clauses. However, the delay in implementing Clause 6, which promises to protect the rights of the Assamese people, has caused concern. According to Bora, it is time for all political stakeholders to come together and ensure that this critical clause is enacted. He pointed out that the people of Assam have waited long enough for this provision to be realized, and the delay is not just a political failure but a betrayal of the people’s trust.
In his recent public address, Bora reiterated that Assam’s identity, culture, and heritage are at the heart of the Assam Accord, and Clause 6 is the key to preserving them. The Congress leader urged the state government, along with the central government, to take immediate steps to implement the clause, which was designed to protect the socio-political rights of the Assamese people. He stated that if Clause 6 remains unimplemented, the very essence of the Assam Accord would be compromised, and the Assamese people would continue to feel marginalized.
Bora also reflected on the political discourse that has surrounded the Assam Accord in recent years. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has often come under criticism for not doing enough to implement Clause 6 despite making promises during election campaigns. Bora criticized the current Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for its lack of progress on this front. According to Bora, while the BJP has been vocal about its commitment to Assamese identity, its actions do not reflect the urgency required to address the concerns of the people.
He called on the state government to release the final report of the high-level committee set up to examine the implementation of Clause 6. This committee was tasked with providing recommendations on how best to provide legislative and administrative safeguards, but its findings have not been made public. Ripun Bora stressed that the people of Assam deserve transparency in this process and need to know what steps will be taken to protect their interests.
In addition to the political ramifications, Bora highlighted the cultural and emotional significance of Clause 6 for the Assamese people. He said that Assam’s rich heritage and unique cultural identity need to be protected from external threats, including unchecked illegal immigration. By implementing Clause 6, Bora argued, the government would not only be fulfilling a political promise but also safeguarding the future of Assam’s indigenous communities.
He further stated that the Congress party is ready to cooperate with all political groups and civil society organizations to ensure that Clause 6 is implemented in its true spirit. The protection of Assamese identity, according to Bora, should transcend political affiliations and be seen as a collective responsibility. He urged the central government to recognize the importance of this clause and expedite the process of its implementation, noting that Assam’s future depends on it.
Bora said that the Congress party stands firmly with the people of Assam in their demand for the full implementation of the Assam Accord. He warned that any further delays would only lead to unrest and disillusionment among the people, and it is essential for the state and central governments to act decisively. Ripun Bora’s strong statements reflect the growing demand for action on Clause 6, as the people of Assam await concrete steps from the government to protect their rights and preserve their culture.
