Mamata supports land rights for tribals in forests, hills

Expressing sadness at the self- immolation of a farmer activist here, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today advocated for land rights for tribals in the hills and forest areas.
"I am saddened at Pranab Boro's death... Give land pattas to those who are there in the hills. The tribals should get land rights in the forests," She said at a public rally here.
Farmers' body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti activist Pranab Boro self-immolated in front of the Assam Secretariat on Monday, demanding land rights for people living in the hill areas of the city.
"If we go to Parliament next time, we will change the Land Acquisition Policy. It is a very bad policy... Why should we forcibly acquire land?" Banerjee asked.

Talking about problems of Assam, Banerjee said flood waters of the Brahmaputra created havoc every year, but still it was not addressed.
On the achievements that her government has made,Banerjee said that every poor person in West Bengal got rice for Rs 2 per kilo without any Food Security Act.

"We are giving scholarships to minorities. Giving bicycles to tribals. Muslims now have 17 per cent OBC reservation in our state. Despite Congress being in power in Assam for so long, why is it not happening here?" she asked.
She also accused the Congress of dividing the country in the name of Telangana during election time, and expressed surprise over "why they are giving Telangana now while they have been in power for 10 years?"

On her relations with Assam, she said that she would work to strengthen the bonding further.
"I will learn Assamese also. I can almost understand Assamese, but can speak little of the language. I love Assam. I am proud of Gauhati University. I love Bhupen Hazarika's songs. His songs are as popular in my state as those of Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar," she said.
She announced that Assamese film actor Biju Phukan would be the party's candidate from Assam in forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.