Boko, Sept 28: Referring to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu’s clarification that individuals using the “Sarania” title typically belong to the Rabha, Boro, or other communities, Rabha Hasong Joutho Mancha (RHJM) on Friday defended Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tankeswar Rabha as a member of the Rabha community.

Addressing a press conference held in Sukuniapara, RHJM general secretary Ramakanta Rabha justified that the allegations against Tankeswar Rabha’s tribal status are baseless and intended to create confusion within the Rabha community.

Ramakanta Rabhaa, who is also vice chairman of RHAC, pointed out that a petition questioning Tankeswar Rabha’s tribal identity, filed by Ranjan Rabha, was dismissed by the Gauhati High Court, thus affirming the legitimacy of Tankeswar Rabha’s identity as an offspring of the Rabha community.

“During the press meeting held on September 10, Ranjan Rabha initially stated that he had not received any threats from anyone associated with the RHAC. However, he later changed his stance, alleging that supporters of RHAC Chief Tankeswar Rabha had burned down his coaching centre, the Boko Coaching Academy, on September 12,” Ramakanta said.

Ramakanta dismissed the accusation and emphasized that Tankeswar Rabha has always worked for the upliftment of students in the RHAC area.

Ramakanta pointed out that Tankeswar Rabha had facilitated free coaching for many students from the RHAC area, sending them to advanced coaching centres in Delhi to prepare for UPSC examinations. He questioned the validity of the allegations, suggesting that Ranjan Rabha or his supporters might have staged the arson themselves after failing to receive a favourable court response against Tankeswar Rabha.

Ramakanta also addressed similar allegations made by former All Rabha Student Union (ARSU) president Ramen Singh Rabha, who had questioned Tankeswar Rabha’s tribal identity.

He urged Ramen Singh Rabha not to sow confusion within the Rabha community and to refrain from tarnishing his own leadership. Ramakanta encouraged Ramen Singh Rabha to support the community’s development and, if desired, to contest in the upcoming RHAC elections to contribute constructively, rather than spreading rumours.

Other prominent figures present at the press conference included Nagarmal Swargiary, Vice President of RHJM; Frylin R. Marak, Finance Secretary of RHJM; Kamburam Rabha, Secretary; and Udhab Rabha, Treasurer.

Read: Meghalaya Dy Speaker attends 21st Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

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