Guwahati, 18th July: The All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU) has announced a series of protest actions in response to alleged deprivation and negligence by the Assam government towards the Tiwa community. During a press conference, ATSU President Cheniram Malang highlighted the union’s ongoing efforts over the past three decades to address the basic issues faced by the Tiwa people and other indigenous communities in Central Assam.
Malang criticized the government’s failure to grant constitutional status to the Tiwa Autonomous Council under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, despite decades of demands. He noted that no assembly seats have been reserved for the Tiwa community since 1977, and the annual funding for the Council has been gradually decreasing. Malang pointed out that the Tiwa Council’s funds are 50% less than those of the Mishing and Rabha councils.
He also expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises made by the Chief Minister, including the allocation of 50 bighas (over 16.5 acres) of land for the Jonbeel Mela, a historic annual event. Malang stated that instead of fulfilling this promise, the ruling BJP has recently constructed a party office at the fair venue, which he claimed has hurt the pride and dignity of the Tiwa community.
ATSU general secretary Biman Pratim Masreng outlined the union’s upcoming protest plans. A three-hour sit-in is scheduled in Morigaon town on July 19, followed by a protest on August 27, which will be observed as a day of betrayal due to the Chief Minister’s unfulfilled promises.
Masreng warned that the state government will face continued “extreme democratic agitations” in the second phase, including highway, railway, and economic blockades, as well as a Central Assam bandh. He called on all ethnic groups in Central Assam to join the agitation.
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