Bodo students storm BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar over ST status move

Kokrajhar: Kokrajhar witnessed major unrest on Saturday as Bodo students and supporters stormed the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat, protesting the Assam government’s move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six additional communities.

The march began at Bodoland University and moved toward the BTC Secretariat, where tensions escalated. Protesters accused the government of threatening the rights of the Bodo community and weakening their political, educational and economic safeguards.

The situation turned violent when agitators pulled down the Secretariat gate, entered the premises and vandalised sections of the BTC Assembly House. The demonstration reflected growing concern among Bodos and other existing ST groups, who fear that adding the Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribe communities to the ST list will reduce their share of reservation benefits and representation.

Security forces rushed to the area as the crowd grew increasingly aggressive. Tribal leaders warned that the agitation would intensify if the government pushes ahead with the proposal. Authorities have not yet issued a statement on the breach or how they intend to respond to the rising tensions.

On Wednesday, the State Cabinet approved the Group of Ministers’ report recommending ST status for six major communities—Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis). The report is expected to be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly before being sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs.