Assam Students Clash with Authorities Over ST Status Report Approval
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A tense standoff erupted in Kokrajhar, Assam, on Saturday when hundreds of tribal students from the Bodoland University stormed the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) secretariat to protest the state cabinet's approval of a report granting ST status to six additional communities. The students, who marched six kilometers from the university campus, allegedly vandalized property and broke through barricades to reach the assembly hall. According to officials, the protesters smashed furniture, pulled out microphones, and shattered window panes before being calmed down by negotiations with District Commissioner Masanda M Pertin and SSP Akshat Garg. The students submitted a memorandum to top officials, demanding the withdrawal of the report within 24 hours. The state cabinet had approved the report of the Group of Ministers on Wednesday, proposing ST status for Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes. The students claim that this move would dilute the rights and constitutional safeguards of existing tribal groups, affecting opportunities in education and employment. The Bodoland University students had already boycotted their third-semester final examinations on Thursday in protest. The All Bodo Students Union and allied tribal organizations also staged a torchlight vigil in Kokrajhar town, opposing the cabinet's decision. Security has been tightened around the BTC secretariat, with senior officials camping at the spot. The students argue that the BTC chief, Hagrama Mohilary, should withdraw his consent to the report, ensuring that the interests of existing tribes remain unaffected. The protesters have vowed to intensify their agitation if the report is not withdrawn, and the fate of the report remains uncertain as it was expected to be tabled in the assembly on the last day of the winter session on Saturday.
