ZSP Delhi Raises VOICES for ST RESERVATION

UNDER the leadership of Khaibiaklin, members of the Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi (ZSP) Delhi turned out in large numbers to support the demand for a 7.5% Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

The All India Scheduled Tribes Student Action Forum (AISTSAF), a recently formed umbrella organization representing various tribal student groups across the country, organized a nationwide demonstration on March 8, 2011. The protest began at Jantar Mantar and proceeded toward Parliament, where a memorandum was submitted.

Thousands of tribal students marched towards Parliament, crossing three-tier barricades guarded by a strong police presence. Undeterred by security forces, the students boldly moved forward, led by Rajasthan MP (Independent) Dr. Kirori Lal Meena. Dr. Meena was at the forefront, pushing through the barricades. The demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Sheila Dikshit, Murda Bad” and “Adivasi/Tribals Zindabad”. Placards carried messages like “Restore ST reservation under Article 342(1) of the Constitution” and “Don't harass the ST communities”.

All roads leading to Parliament were heavily guarded, with strict security measures enforced. The march culminated near the Parliament Street police station, where the students peacefully assembled in the evening.

Leaders of the Action Forum submitted the memorandum to the Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson, Home Minister, Law Minister, and Minister of Tribal Affairs, demanding the restoration of ST reservation in GNCTD. This reservation had been in place since 1955 but was discontinued following a Supreme Court judgment in 1999.

During the protest, the ZSP president delivered a fiery speech from the dais, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. A notable moment of the day was when Mawi, President of the Hmar Students' Association (HSAD), delivered an eloquent speech in both Hindi and English.

Tribal students from the Northeast and other parts of India actively participated in the demonstration, joined by leaders from various ST communities who voiced their concerns against the Delhi Government's alleged discrimination. Political leaders, Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, NGOs, and human rights activists also attended in large numbers.

The rally officially began at around 2 PM, following a lunch provided for the demonstrators. ZSP President Lian, who also served as the mess manager, was assisted by ZSP members in food distribution. Meanwhile, another ZSP member, Douminlian, President of KSOD, played a key role as one of the coordinators of the Action Forum. Despite their contributions, both Lian and Douminlian did not get a chance to eat.

At 4 PM, the leaders who had submitted the memorandum returned to the police station, where the student mass had been waiting for over an hour. They provided an update on the submission, and MP Dr. Kirori Lal Meena urged the students to persist in their fight for ST rights in the long run.

While waiting for their leaders, Northeast tribal students and others engaged in traditional dances and folk songs, boosting the morale of the demonstrators.

By 4:40 PM, the crowd began dispersing. The 'Eimi' groups gathered by the roadside, where Action Forum Chairman Thomas Thailu delivered a vote of thanks. KSOD Vice President Ngamlen led a prayer of thanksgiving.

As the sun set and exhaustion took over, key ZSP and tribal leaders, including the ZSP President, Garo Students' leader Benny A. Sangma, Thomas Thailu, Douminlian, and Lalbruce, decided to leave. Before departing, they received a phone call from Pu Philip, who invited them to his office, just a few meters away from the protest site. There, the leaders met Pu Philip, where they were served tea and samosas while discussing the success of the day's demonstration.

Additionally, Pu Kuldeep Pakad, Secretary-cum-Additional Election Commissioner (NCT Delhi & UT Chandigarh), also reached out to express his delight over the protest's turnout. Later, he arranged a meeting at MP Kirori Lal Meena’s residence, where the leaders were treated to another round of tea. MP Meena, pleased with the rally's impact, decided to host a dinner on March 10 at Gram Masala restaurant in Chanakyapuri. Invitations were sent to all tribal student leaders in the capital.

On March 10, ZSP President and Editor Zoukuomthawn (ZSP News Bulletin) attended the dinner party. The event saw participation from student leaders across the country, marking the first time such a large gathering of tribal student representatives took place. Leaders exchanged greetings, contacts, and reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, making it a memorable occasion.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, March 8, 2011

 

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