Assam Tensions Rise as ST Groups Resist Inclusion of Six Communities

Trouble Brews in Assam as ST Groups Warn of Statewide Agitation

Tension is mounting across Assam after a Group of Ministers (GoM) submitted a report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six additional communities. The move has triggered strong opposition from existing ST groups, who fear dilution of their rights, prompting warnings of widespread agitation. In Kokrajhar, the headquarters of the Bodoland Territorial Region, authorities have already imposed prohibitory orders to prevent unrest.

The GoM Recommendation and Its Implications

The GoM was tasked with evaluating the long-standing demand of the Tai Ahom, Tea Tribes or Adivasis, Moran, Motok, Chutia and Koch-Rajbongshi communities for inclusion in the ST list. In its submitted report, the panel noted “full justification” for granting ST status to these groups, while also proposing measures to safeguard the interests of the existing ST population.

Currently, Assam’s ST population is categorized into ST (Plains) with 10 percent reservation and ST (Hills) with 5 percent. The GoM has recommended placing smaller communities such as the Morans, Motoks and Koch-Rajbongshis of the undivided Goalpara region under the ST (Plains) category.

Proposal for a New ST (Valley) Category

A key feature of the report is the suggestion to create a new ST (Valley) category. This proposed category would include the Ahom, Chutia, Tea Tribes or Adivasis and Koch-Rajbongshi communities, excluding those from undivided Goalpara. Separate reservation quotas for state government jobs and educational institutions would accompany this classification. The GoM assured that existing ST (Plains) and ST (Hills) quotas would remain intact under the new structure.

However, the report clarified that for central government reservations, all ST communities would continue to compete under a single national ST list, as mandated by the Centre.

Rising Dissent Among Existing ST Groups

Despite assurances of protection, existing Scheduled Tribes have rejected the proposal, arguing that the inclusion of large communities could overwhelm their social and economic safeguards. Various ST organisations have warned of an escalation in statewide protests if the recommendation proceeds without adequate consultation. The imposition of prohibitory orders in Kokrajhar indicates the seriousness of the brewing conflict.

What Lies Ahead

The issue has the potential to reshape Assam’s socio-political landscape, as the state balances historical demands for recognition with the concerns of communities already under the protective ST umbrella. As the government deliberates on the GoM report, the coming weeks may see heightened political mobilisation and negotiations to prevent further unrest.