Assam News: On Tuesday, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed financial assistance to women under the Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Campaign (MMUA) in Tinsukia, members of the Chaijan community staged a strong protest in the district. The protesters took to the streets demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, land rights, and an increase in daily wages. The protest was organized by the Assam Cha Mazdoor Sangh (ACMS), the Assam Cha Janjati Chhatra Sangathan, the Tribal Students’ Organization, and various groups of women from the Chaijan community. Thousands of people from various parts of Tinsukia joined the demonstration.
Peaceful March and Key Demands
The protesters held posters and chanted slogans such as “No ST, no rest” and “We want land rights” to demand attention to their long-standing demands. They alleged that their needs and demands have been ignored for years. A member of a Tea People’s Association said, “When the BJP formed the government, the Tea People’s Community was promised ST status, but 10 years have passed and nothing has happened. Furthermore, we haven’t received land rights, and our demand for a daily wage increase to ₹551 remains unheard.”
Chief Minister’s Support and Government Initiative
Responding to the protest, Chief Minister Sarma stated that the BJP supports the demand. He said, “This is a just demand, and the people have every right to protest. They are protesting for ST status, and the BJP supports them. Our party members will also join the protest.” He also stated that the Group of Ministers (GoM) reviewing the issue will present its report to the Assembly in November, based on which further action will be taken.
A Long Battle for ST Status and an Incomplete Process
The Chaijan community is among six communities in Assam—the Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi—who are struggling to obtain ST status. This demand arose in 2014 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to resolve it. The Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill, introduced in 2019, granted ST status to these six communities, but the bill remains pending. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram stated in June that the matter was being seriously considered. The Chaijan community’s demands are considered crucial for both economic rights and social respect.
