Assam Govt Reaches Out Amid Protests Over ST Status Report
CM Sarma offers talks as six-community ST recommendation sparks backlash
- Protests escalate after GoM report on ST status for six communities tabled in Assembly.
- Assam Cabinet says recommendations won’t affect existing ST rights.
- Ministers tasked to hold talks with CCTOA; CM Sarma also willing to join if needed.
- Congress accuses government of fuelling divisions between indigenous groups and ST communities.
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 1st Dec: The Assam government on Sunday night reached out to protesting tribal groups, expressing willingness to hold talks over the Group of Ministers (GoM) report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the aim is to clear “misunderstandings” after widespread demonstrations erupted across the state.
Protests have continued since Saturday after the recommendations for granting ST status to Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) were presented in the state assembly.
Following a review at the cabinet meeting, Sarma said the report “paves the way” for extending ST status to the six communities without affecting the rights or interests of existing ST groups. He announced that Ministers Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Keshab Mahanta and Pijush Hazarika will meet the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) to explain the details. “If required, I am also willing to sit with the CCTOA,” he added.
The Opposition Congress, however, sharply criticised the government. Assam Congress chief and deputy leader of Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said his party has long supported ST status for the six indigenous communities, provided it does not dilute the rights of existing tribal groups.
Accusing the government of creating new tensions, Gogoi said Chief Minister Sarma has “failed to show” that the rights of current ST communities will remain unaffected. “It seems that Himanta Biswa Sarma is stoking another conflict between 6 indigenous communities and the Scheduled Tribes of Assam. This is typical divide-and-rule politics,” he posted on X.
The issue is expected to trigger further political debate as the government prepares to engage with agitating tribal organisations.
