ST Status Demand Sparks Walkout in Assam Assembly

Guwahati: The long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six Assam communities triggered a heated debate in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, leading to a walkout by Opposition members.

Leader of the Opposition Wajed Ali Choudhury sought an update on the proposal for ST status for the Adivasi Tea Tribe, Koch-Rajbongshi, Moran, Motok, Tai Ahom and Chutia communities. Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu said the revised proposal, approved by the Chief Minister, will soon be sent to the Centre after necessary procedures.

Dissatisfied over the lack of a clear timeline for introducing the proposal in Parliament, the Opposition staged a walkout, accusing both the state and central governments of delaying the long-pending demand.