Guwahati: A massive public assembly convened in Gossaigaon on March 23rd, spearheaded by the Kamatapur State Demand Council (KSDC), amplifying the persistent call for tribal status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community. The gathering also served as a platform to reiterate the demand for the restoration of the Kamatapur state, alongside the constitutional recognition of the Koch-Rajbongshi language, advocating its inclusion within the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The event drew substantial participation, with thousands of Koch-Rajbongshi individuals converging from various regions including Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, and beyond, united in their pursuit of these long-standing community aspirations.
KSDC leaders and activists utilized the platform to voice their deep dissatisfaction, highlighting the stalled progress despite the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) chief Jiban Singha’s return to the mainstream, a move made in response to the Indian government’s appeal. They emphasized the absence of a formalized peace accord, a critical step in addressing the community’s concerns.
Expressing mounting frustration over the perceived stagnation in negotiation efforts, the leaders directed criticism towards both the central and state governments. They pointed out that despite seven rounds of dialogue, no tangible resolutions have emerged. Key figures like Jiban Singha and D.L. Koch reaffirmed their core demands, pressing authorities to grant tribal status, acknowledge the Koch-Rajbongshi language, and facilitate the creation of a separate Kamatapur state through a comprehensive peace agreement.
The KSDC has issued a decisive three-month ultimatum, conveying a clear message that if their demands remain unaddressed within this timeframe, they will initiate a widespread democratic agitation, escalating their movement to a more significant scale.
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