March for identity: Koch-Rajbongshi students lead Assam protest for ST status

Students in Assam staged a torchlight protest demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community and several other indigenous groups, turning a previously peaceful march into a tense confrontation with police.

The unrest prompted a district-wide shutdown and drew attention to long-standing demands for constitutional recognition.

The demonstration was organized by the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), starting from Chilarai College and heading toward Golakganj Bazaar.

Protesters, who also called for a separate Kamatapur state, say police and paramilitary forces used lathi-charge despite the march being peaceful, injuring several participants, including women.

Following the clash, AKRSU called a 12-hour bandh in Dhubri on Thursday. Roads were barricaded, markets remained closed, and security forces were deployed across the district bordering Bangladesh.

The episode has renewed attention on decades-long efforts by multiple communities to gain ST status.

Alongside the Koch-Rajbongshis, groups including the Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes have been seeking constitutional recognition.

Leaders argue ST status is crucial for protecting land rights, cultural heritage, and socio-economic welfare.

Recently, the Moran Students’ Union mobilized thousands in Margherita to demand ST recognition and autonomy under the Sixth Schedule, while the AKRSU continues to push for Kamatapur statehood.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the incident as "unfortunate" and ordered an inquiry.

The officer in charge of Golakganj police station was suspended, and the officer in charge of Gauripur was removed from duty.

"We received complaints against three other officers, the district’s Senior Superintendent of Police and two Deputy Superintendents of Police. We have directed the DIG concerned to conduct a probe and submit a report within five days," said Jayanta Malla Baruah, Public Health Engineering Minister.

Baruah visited Dhubri to check on the injured and urged community leaders to maintain calm.

"The Chief Minister sent me to find out what exactly happened. I met the injured in the hospital. They are all stable. The incident occurred due to a misunderstanding," he said.

Sarma also assured the public, "No one has suffered serious injuries, but we will ensure accountability. Any police personnel found guilty of using excessive force will face strict action."

Opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of the protest. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned the "brutal assault" on students.

He accused the BJP-led administration of "disregarding the dignity of indigenous communities."

Gogoi also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honor the promise of ST status for six Assamese groups. Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi criticized the government for its perceived indifference.

The Sarma administration has pledged to present a detailed report on the ST demand during the November assembly session.

Analysts warn that without dialogue, protests could intensify, creating challenges for the government in balancing law enforcement with addressing the deep-rooted aspirations of indigenous communities.

Student groups have indicated that further agitation is possible if their demands are not addressed.