Kokrajhar, Assam – Thousands of Adivasi men and women converged on Kokrajhar on Tuesday, transforming Children’s Park into a vibrant hub of protest as they vociferously demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and land rights for their communities across Assam. The powerful demonstration was orchestrated by the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA), highlighting years of unaddressed grievances.
The air reverberated with impassioned chants of “No ST No Rest,” “Provide Land Patta to Adivasis,” and “UPPL Government Go Back,” as demonstrators voiced their profound frustration over what they described as the persistent neglect of their constitutional and land rights. For three intense hours, the sit-in saw a sea of placards and banners, with slogans echoing loudly throughout the park, underscoring the community’s unwavering resolve.
At the heart of the protest were three unequivocal demands: the immediate grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Adivasis in Assam, the long-awaited distribution of land pattas (ownership rights) to Adivasi families, and a firm assurance of comprehensive socio-economic and political safeguards for the entire community.
Following the impactful demonstration, AASAA submitted a five-point memorandum to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, and the Governor of Assam. The association emphatically reiterated its long-standing demands, urging the government to act decisively and rectify the historical injustices endured by the Adivasi community. AASAA leaders issued a stern warning, indicating that continued government inaction could precipitate even larger, statewide movements if their crucial demands remain unaddressed.
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