Six Assam Communities Protest in Delhi for ST Status

Members of six ethnic communities in Assam—Adivasi/Tea Tribes, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi—protested in New Delhi, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Frustrated by delays, they demonstrated at Jantar Mantar, holding placards and shouting slogans like “No ST, No Rest.”

Himanta Bora Koch, general secretary of AKRSU, stated that repeated demands have been ignored, prompting the protest in Delhi. The protesters submitted memorandums to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Despite a 2019 bill approving ST status, the decision remains pending. Concerns over backlash from other tribes have delayed progress.