Assam: Dibrugarh, Sivasagar Witness Protests Over Tribal Autonomy & Inclusion

The political temperature in Assam continues to rise as communities across the state grow increasingly vocal about their rights, representation, and long-standing demands. In recent developments, two significant protests were held in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar, led by the Sonowal Kachari and Ahom communities, respectively.

Both demonstrations reflect growing discontent with the state government's inaction, whether it's the delay in holding democratic elections or the denial of tribal status. As Assam prepares for upcoming elections, these movements hint at a broader shift in public mood, especially among indigenous communities who feel marginalised despite repeated assurances by successive governments.

Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh witnessed a surge of unrest as members of the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students' Union (AASKSU) and the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Women’s Organisation staged a massive protest demanding immediate elections for the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council. The demonstrators expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to conduct elections nearly two years after the previous council’s term ended, calling the delay a deliberate neglect of democratic principles and community development.

The protest began near the city’s Doordarshan centre and proceeded through Mancotta Road, culminating in a slogan-raising demonstration outside the District Commissioner’s office. Protesters chanted against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tribal Welfare Minister Ranoj Pegu, holding them accountable for the prolonged delay.

“In the case of the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council, the government has not conducted elections even 1.5 years after the term ended,” said one protester. “We believe this delay is intentional; the government doesn’t want our community to develop.”

Another protester asserted, “This is our democratic right. The government must conduct the elections without further delay.” The protest, drawing participation from across the district, reflects growing resentment within the Sonowal Kachari community and signals potential political repercussions if the issue remains unresolved.

Sivasagar

Meanwhile, in Sivasagar, the Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad, Assam (TAYPA) organised a strong show of dissent through a procession demanding tribal status and autonomy for the Ahom community. The march started at the city’s boarding grounds and concluded at the District Commissioner’s office, where protesters delivered a pointed message to the ruling BJP government.

TAYPA accused the BJP of ignoring the long-standing demand for tribal recognition of the Ahom people, like its predecessors, Congress and AGP. The protesters claimed that the denial of tribal status amounted to systemic neglect and warned of an organised political backlash if their demands continued to be ignored.

“There are 60 lakh Ahom voters in Assam,” said a TAYPA member. “If the government fails to grant us tribal status soon, we will not support the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Our community is united, and we will not forget how we have been treated.”

The demonstrators emphasised that the community’s demand for tribal status is not new and has been brushed aside by successive governments. The growing frustration is now giving rise to a more assertive political stance from the Ahom community, threatening a shift in electoral dynamics in Assam.

The protests in both Dibrugarh and Sivasagar highlight increasing discontent among indigenous communities in Assam. As calls for representation and recognition grow louder, the state government faces mounting pressure to address long-standing issues of autonomy, inclusion, and democratic accountability.

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