Fresh unrest grips Assam
DHUBRI : Assam witnessed fresh turmoil this week as protests demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community spiraled into violence in Dhubri’s Golakganj. What began as a peaceful torchlight rally ended in clashes after an alleged police crackdown, leaving several injured and sparking widespread outrage.
On Wednesday night, the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) staged a massive march from Chilarai College to Golakganj Bazaar. The rally, demanding ST recognition and a separate Kamatapur state, drew thousands. However, police and paramilitary personnel intervened midway, leading to confrontation.
Protesters accused security forces of resorting to a lathi-charge despite the march being peaceful. Several participants, including women, sustained injuries. The incident triggered anger across the community, prompting AKRSU to call for a 12-hour bandh in Dhubri on Thursday. Roads were blocked, markets shut down, and security forces increased deployment in the district bordering Bangladesh.
Long-standing demand for recognition
The Koch-Rajbongshis are not alone in their struggle. Alongside them, five other communities — Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes — have been pressing for ST recognition for decades. Leaders argue that constitutional recognition is vital to protect land rights, preserve cultural identity, and ensure socio-economic upliftment.
Earlier this month, the Moran Students’ Union mobilized over 20,000 people in Margherita, eastern Assam, demanding both ST status and greater autonomy under the Sixth Schedule. The Koch-Rajbongshi leadership, through AKRSU, has also revived its pitch for a separate Kamatapur state, intensifying the political debate.
Government response and inquiry
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the alleged assault on protesters as “unfortunate” and ordered immediate action. The officer-in-charge of Golakganj police station was suspended, while the officer-in-charge of Gauripur was withdrawn. A high-level probe has been initiated against the Superintendent of Police and two DSPs, with findings expected within five days.
Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah visited injured students in Dhubri, assuring medical support and appealing for peace. “No one has suffered serious injuries, but accountability will be ensured. Any police personnel found guilty of using excessive force will face strict action,” Sarma said.
Opposition slams crackdown
The incident drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned what he called a “brutal assault” on students, accusing the BJP-led state government of ignoring the dignity of indigenous communities. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill the BJP’s earlier promise of granting ST status to the six Assamese communities.
Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi also accused the government of apathy, saying it had failed to address the deep-rooted concerns of tribal and indigenous groups. Opposition parties have hinted at escalating the issue in the upcoming Assembly session.
What lies ahead for Assam?
The Sarma government has promised to present a detailed report on the ST status demand during the November Assembly session. However, with emotions running high and student groups threatening phase-wise agitations, observers caution that the situation could deteriorate if dialogue is delayed.
Experts note that the state is walking a tightrope — balancing law and order while also addressing ethnic aspirations that date back decades. Unless credible negotiations begin soon, protests are likely to intensify, making resolution even more complex.
For now, Assam remains tense, with communities awaiting concrete steps from both the state and central governments on a demand that has shaped regional politics for generations.