Assam: Dima Hasao tribal bodies oppose ST status for six communities, hold rally

Haflong: Eight tribal bodies of Dima Hasao, including student organizations, community groups, and civil society organizations, organized a massive protest rally in Haflong demanding the revocation of the recent Assam cabinet decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam: Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea & Ex-Tea Garden Tribes.

The rally, which saw large participation from various tribal groups across Dima Hasao, urged the government to reconsider the proposal, arguing that the inclusion of these communities could undermine the existing constitutional and political safeguards of indigenous tribal groups in the district.

Protesters marched through the main street of Haflong town holding placards and raising slogans, calling on the state government to protect the rights and identity of the hill tribes.

Leaders of the tribal bodies reiterated that the movement would continue until their concerns are addressed by the authorities.

In support of their demands, the protesters also submitted a memorandum to Durga Das Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, urging him to consider their concerns.

They also highlighted that the move could disadvantage the existing ST communities, as the recommended communities are more populous and comparatively advanced.

“Though the Assam government has raised the ST quotas in the state and since the state has two categories, ST Hills and ST Plains, the central government recognizes only ST. Since these communities are more advanced and populous, the existing ST communities might be deprived of central government jobs and facilities if the proposal is granted,” said Pramith Sengyung, General Secretary of the Dimasa Student Union (DSU).