Assam: Koch Rajbanshi protest in Bongaigaon calls for Kamatapur state, ST status

Guwahati: Nearly 50,000 Koch Rajbanshi community members gathered at North Bongaigaon Stadium in Assam on Sunday for a massive protest rally organized by the All Koch Rajbanshi Students’ Union (AKRSU).

The demonstrators voiced their strong support for long-standing demands, including the reorganization of the historic Kamatapur state, the recognition of the Koch Rajbanshi community as an indigenous Scheduled Tribe, and the signing of a peace agreement with the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).

Prominent leaders of the Koch Rajbanshi organizations, including AKRSU President Manoj Ray and General Secretary Balram Barman, addressed the rally.

They accused both the Central and State governments of ignoring the community's demands despite numerous promises and negotiations over the years.

AKRSU General Secretary Balram Barman warned the government during his speech that if it did not meet their demands before the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, the union would take drastic action, saying their patience had run out and urging the government to protect their culture, language, and land or face being toppled.

The rally featured emotional speeches, vibrant Koch Rajbanshi cultural performances, and loud chants for justice and recognition.

Protesters carried placards urging the government to fulfill their demands immediately and warned of escalating actions if the government continued to ignore their concerns.

In a press briefing, AKRSU President Ray expressed frustration with the government’s inaction, highlighting broken promises.

"The government pledged to grant ST status to six communities before coming to power, but has failed to deliver," Ray said. "If the government does not issue a memorandum by November 25, we will escalate our movement, including blocking railways and highways, and may even call for an Assam Bandh. This is not just a demand, but a fight for our survival and identity."

The rally concluded with the leaders submitting a memorandum to local authorities, urging the Assam and Central governments to take immediate steps toward granting ST status, reorganizing Kamatapur, and fostering peace through dialogue with the KLO.