They made the call at a press conference organised by North Bengal International Indigenous Day Celebration Committee at Rajshahi Public Library Auditorium yesterday.

In a written statement Executive Director of Adibashi Unnayan Sangstha (AUS) Bhagabat Tudu put forward various demands for an end to persecution on ethnic minorities.

He also announced a daylong programmes to be held at Rajshahi Regional Public Administration Training Auditorium on August 14.

The programmes include colourful rally, inaugural ceremony, submission of memorandum to caretaker government chief, discussion meeting, cultural function and exhibition depicting the life and culture of indigenous people.

Best performers of the cultural programme will be awarded.

The programmes will be inaugurated by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Khalilur Rahman.

All indigenous people in northern region have been urged to hold the programmes unitedly and peacefully.

Indigenous leaders Everest Hemron, CCBVO General Secretary Swapon, and Asroy General Secretary Abdus Samad were also present at the press conference.

At least 80 NGOs working for indigenous people's right in North Bengal will jointly organise the programmes to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.