Guwahati: Intellectual Dhirendra Nath Chakravarty said on Monday that despite claims by certain sections in connection with the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Assamese race will not be wiped out, having gone through several calamities in the past.

Chakravarty, in his early nineties, told reporters: "The Assamese people have braved many calamities in the past. More than 13 lakh people died during the Moamaria rebellion while another 15 lakh perished during the Burmese invasion of Assam. Between 1862 and 1897, epidemics like cholera, black fever, plague, dysentery and others claimed several lakhs of people. At one point of time, the Assamese people were reduced from 36 lakh to 13 lakh. The population thereafter marked an increase. There is no way the Assamese people will be wiped out although the number of Assamese-speaking people has decreased in recent times."

"Assamese language will not disappear either. Our language is rich, with a huge vocabulary. The beauty of it makes people from other parts wonder whether we are speaking or singing. The contributions of icons like Anundoram Dhekial Phukan, Hem Chandra Baruah and Padmanath Gohain Barua led to a revival of the Assamese language and literature," he added.

Chakravarty supported the demand of the six tribes of Assam - the Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sutias and tea tribes - for recognition as Scheduled Tribes.

"In addition to the recognition of the six tribes as Scheduled Tribes, Assam should be declared a tribal state. Laws should be passed to bar anyone other than indigenous people from buying land. People from outside the state can work, study, carry on business and work in government jobs but not buy land. This will guarantee the land rights of the indigenous people of the state," Chakravarty said.

He also wanted reservation for the Assamese Muslim community in the political and work spheres to bring them out of their economically and politically weak condition at present.

"The Assamese Muslims are in name only, they are essentially Assamese. They are just like other indigenous communities in the state. They have been economically and politically deprived and are lagging behind. Six seats in the Assam Assembly and one seat each in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha should be reserved for the community. The community should be given OBC status for reservation in government jobs," added Chakravarty.

Chakravarty also asked people to stop making anti-Assamese comments.