Guwahati, April 4: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government has decided to withdraw 28,000 pending cases against the Koch-Rajbongshi community lodged in the Foreigners Tribunal.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Koch-Rajbongshi are the indigenous community of Assam, and it is unfortunate that 28,000 cases of them were lodged in Foreigners Tribunal of state and they have to appear in the Tribunal to prove their citizenship. They have been branded as D-voters, which is unfortunate. Therefore, we have decided to withdraw all cases against them lodged in Foreigners Tribunal,”.

“It’s a historic decision, and our government is committed to working for the development of the Indigenous people of Assam. Our cabinet has decided after a prolonged discussion. The poor Koch-Rajbongshi people are facing problems going to court due to financial problems,” said Sarma.

This decision is expected to bring relief to thousands who have been entangled in lengthy court cases.

Earlier, the state government’s decision to grant the Koch-Rajbongshi community protected status in certain tribal belts sparked opposition from various tribal organisations. At a meeting in Sonapur on April 2, representatives from different groups voiced their dissent.

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