Guwahati: The Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad Assam (TAYPA) organized a protest near the Assam Secretariat in Guwahati, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Tai Ahom community. The demonstration drew widespread attention and necessitated a strong security presence to maintain order.
TAYPA President Diganta Tamuli voiced the community’s frustration with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to deliver on its long-standing promise of granting ST status. “Since 2014, three Lok Sabha elections and two Assembly elections have passed, and the BJP has come to power, yet they have not fulfilled their promise to our community,” Tamuli stated.
Tamuli issued a pointed warning to the ruling party, suggesting that their inaction could have significant political repercussions. “If they do not grant us ST status, this year will not be suitable for the BJP,” he declared, signaling that the Tai Ahom community may prioritize this issue in the upcoming elections.
The protest near the Secretariat is part of a broader strategy by TAYPA to escalate their agitation. Tamuli outlined plans for rail blockades, national highway disruptions, and economic blockades if their demands continue to be ignored.
The Tai Ahom community’s demand for ST status is a longstanding issue, rooted in their desire for socio-economic and cultural safeguards. Despite repeated assurances from various governments, the issue remains unresolved, leading to mounting discontent within the community.
The BJP has yet to respond to TAYPA’s warnings and protests. However, the escalating situation poses a potential challenge for the party as it gears up for the forthcoming elections, with the Tai Ahom demand emerging as a critical issue.
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