Aasu charter of demands before polls

GUWAHATI: All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) asked all political parties and candidates contesting Lok Sabha polls from Assam to clarify their stand on issues affecting the state's indigenous people.
The organization demanded time-bound action plans from political parties on issues raised by it. "Before the polls, we want to know what the candidates think of burning issues in the state.Mere promises during election campaigns are not enough," said Aasu adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya in a news conference here on Tuesday.
Aasu demanded special constitutional status for the northeast, including Assam, to 'ensure' people's rights over their land and resources. It sought a solution to the decades-old problem of illegal influx from Bangladesh, implementation of the Assam Accord and constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people of the state. Aasu said floods and erosions in Assam should be regarded as national problems and scientific steps should be taken to protect the heritage site of Majuli.
Bhattacharyya added that a permanent solution was needed for six communities' demand to be granted scheduled tribe status. He, however, said Aasu is not in favour of the state's division. Assam has been witnessing statehood movements by various ethnic tribes and communities.
Aasu demanded scrapping of the 2,000-MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project among others in the state. It also sought a new land policy.