Massive Bodo Protest Erupts Against Proposed ST Expansion

Thousands of tribal students in Bodoland staged a major protest in Kokrajhar on Saturday against the government’s move to grant ST status to six additional communities. The rally turned violent as protesters broke the BTC Secretariat gate and vandalised parts of the Assembly building.

Demonstrators fear the inclusion of groups such as Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes will reduce existing ST communities’ reservation benefits and political representation. Security forces were deployed, and leaders warned of escalating agitation if the plan proceeds.

The protest follows the State Cabinet’s approval of a GoM report supporting the proposed ST expansion, which is expected to be placed before the Assembly and later sent to the Centre.