Nagaon: In a strong show of unity and determination, the Koch Rajbongshi community staged a two-hour sit-in protest at the Nagaon Natya Mandir premises on Saturday, reiterating its long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status (ST Status Demand Protest).
The demonstration, organised by the Central Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union in collaboration with the All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Jatiya Sanmilani and the Central Assam Koch Rajbongshi Women’s Cell, reverberated with the powerful slogan — “No ST, No Vote.”
Speakers at the gathering accused successive governments of betraying the community’s long-standing demand for ST recognition. They alleged that repeated assurances have yielded no concrete results and claimed that deliberate delays have deprived the Koch Rajbongshi community of its constitutional rights and socio-political safeguards.
The leaders warned that continued neglect of indigenous communities threatens Assam’s cultural identity and political fabric. They asserted that the movement would continue democratically until justice is delivered.
Key Concerns Raised
Unfulfilled ST Demand: Protesters reiterated that despite decades of struggle and repeated promises, the community remains deprived of rightful tribal recognition.
Assam Accord Clauses: Allegations were raised regarding the dilution and non-implementation of crucial provisions of the Accord.
Education & Language: Participants strongly criticised the closure of several Assamese-medium schools, terming it a blow to indigenous language and cultural preservation.
Adivasi & KLO Agreements: The lack of visible progress on related commitments was highlighted.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Organisations demanded its repeal, claiming it endangers Assam’s demographic balance and indigenous rights.
Leaders described the protest as part of a broader democratic movement and warned that the agitation would be intensified through constitutional means if their demands remain unaddressed.
The programme concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their unity, resolve, and commitment to continue the struggle until ST status and related demands are fulfilled.
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