Assam’s politics has seen a major shift, with the announcement of the formation of a new regional party, the Assam Suraksha Parishad . The party aims to restore political rights and constitutional protections for Assam’s indigenous communities. The announcement was made during a press conference in Tinsukia attended by leaders affiliated with the Assam Sammilit Mahasangh (ASM). The leaders said that the rights of the state’s indigenous people have been steadily declining for decades, and it is now necessary to halt this decline.
Allegations of illegal migration and loss of rights
Leaders of the new party alleged that illegal migration has long been a serious problem in Assam. They said it began during the colonial period, when outsiders were settled for administrative and economic reasons. Party president Matiur Rahman said that if political power is not returned to the indigenous people, their identity and rights could be threatened. He also claimed that successive governments have failed to curb the problem, affecting social balance.
A new framework for rights and representation
The party, based on its ideology, calls for defining “genuine indigenous people” and “genuine Indian citizens,” based on the Constitutions of 1826 and 1951. They argue that these communities should receive special protection and representation under constitutional provisions. The party appeals to all recognized Indian citizens to work together with indigenous people for the stability and development of the state. It also warns that political alliances with illegal immigrants could exacerbate social tensions.
Political structure and future strategy
The leaders also pointed out that tribes like the Moran, Motok, Singpho, Deori, Chutia, and Sonowal Kachari previously held political influence in upper Assam, but this has now diminished. In contrast, the political influence of non-indigenous communities has increased. The party’s goal is to establish a federal structure in which all indigenous peoples have equal rights and representation . The organization’s leadership will maintain a distance from direct electoral politics and work through democratic and legal channels, including the possibility of legal battles up to the Supreme Court.
