Assam: The demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Chutiya community in Assam has once again intensified. On Saturday, thousands of people gathered at the West Jorhat Sports Association Ground for a massive public meeting under the banner of the All Chutiya Jati Sammelan. Following the meeting, protesters marched nearly two kilometers to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Jorhat, raising slogans against the government. Slogans like “Down with Himanta Biswa Sarma” echoed during the protest. Protesters alleged that the central and state governments have been entangled in false promises for years and have not yet granted them their rights.
Addressing the gathering, Chutiya community spokesperson Mohan Chandra Saikia said that both the central and state governments have repeatedly promised to include six tribal communities in the ST list, but no concrete steps have been taken to date. He said, “Governments have been giving us assurances for years, but nothing has changed in reality. This time, we will not fall for false promises. If the Chutiya community’s name is not included in the report to be submitted by ministers on November 25th, a massive movement will be launched across Assam from November 26th.” He also alleged that the government is deliberately delaying the report to weaken the community’s demands.
Accused Tribal Union Leader of Blocking, Questioned Leaders’ Silence
Saikia accused Tribal Union leader Aditya Khakhlari of conspiring to keep the Chutiya community out of the ST list. He said, “Aditya Khakhlari is blocking our recognition for political reasons. We ask whether he has the constitutional right to do so? This is our final warning.” Saikia explained that even today, the Chutiya community lives in extremely backward conditions. “Many of our people still live in bamboo houses on the riverbank. Three ministers from our community are in the Assam cabinet, but no one has raised our voice so far. We expect them to speak up for their community, as it is their duty,” he said.
Those attending the gathering accused the BJP government of reneging on its 2014 election promises. They said the BJP had promised to grant ST status to the Chutiya, Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Moran, Matak, and Tea Tribes, but no action has been taken so far. The protesters said, “Successive governments have been deceiving us. We don’t want meetings or promises anymore, we want results. If our demands are not met by December, we will campaign against the government in the 2026 elections.” Those present at the gathering made it clear that this fight is not just for status, but for respect and identity, and the movement will continue until justice is achieved.
