Kokrajhar (Assam): Widespread protests erupted in Kokrajhar on Thursday as the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and several tribal organisations rallied against the Assam cabinet’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six additional communities.
A torchlight march led by ABSU drew hundreds of students and youth, who moved through the town carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding the withdrawal of the cabinet decision.
The organisations argue that extending ST benefits will dilute the rights, opportunities and constitutional safeguards of the existing tribal population.
The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), Tribal Sangha, Boro Samaj, and the Rabha and Garo students’ bodies were among the groups that joined the agitation.
An ABSU spokesperson warned that the move threatens the socio-political identity of current ST groups and said the agitation would continue until the government reconsiders its stand.
Earlier in the day, tension had escalated on the Bodoland University campus, where students staged a protest opposing the cabinet decision.
Demonstrators boycotted their third-semester final examination and gathered at the main gate, prompting authorities to postpone the test.
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Students said the inclusion of more communities in the ST list would directly affect education and job opportunities for existing tribal groups.
Wednesday’s cabinet meeting approved the Group of Ministers’ report recommending ST status for six major communities—Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis).
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Tribal Affairs Department will table the report in the assembly before the winter session concludes on Saturday.
Police said the Kokrajhar rally concluded peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported.
