45 groups under one platform against Citizenship act The platform slammed the government for opening fire on unarmed protesters which took five lives

Abdul Gani, TT, 16.12.19, Guwahati: At least 45 organisations came together on Sunday to form a common platform, Sanmilito Sangram Parishad (SSP), which would carry forward the movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The platform slammed the government for opening fire on unarmed protesters which took five lives.

“The goal of this forum is to oppose the new law. This common platform was needed to lead the movement in an organised way. Among others, we have slammed the government for their act of firing on the protesters. We have demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into these killings and also sought compensation of Rs 20 lakh for each of the families,” Manjit Mahanta, one of the conveners of the forum, said on Sunday.

They have also demanded the unconditional release of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi and others who have been a part of the movement.

“This is a very repressive measure which the government should stop doing to weaken the movement,” Manjit said.

One representative from each of the organisations will be the conveners of the forum. They would meet on Tuesday to discuss the future course of action. Very soon, they would also form their district units to expand the movement.

Mahanta further said organisations which have been opposing the citizenship law can join their platform to strengthen the movement.

“Even political parties are welcomed in the forum. The Left parties have already joined us. As the Congress has been opposing the law, they are welcome. But we are not in a position to accept the BJP, AGP and AIUDF. The AIUDF is communal,” he said.

Manjit said among others, KMSS, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Asom Sagrami Mancha, Goria Moria bodies and various students bodies like All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union, Karbi Students Union and All Assam Minority Students Union have joined the forum.