Akhil Gogoi criticises govt over delay in granting tribal status to Six communities in Assam

Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi has launched a sharp attack on the government, alleging continuous delays and “deception” regarding the long-pending demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam, including the Ahom community.

Speaking on the issue, Gogoi stated that although the Ahom community historically identifies itself as Assamese, it has not received the development and recognition it deserves. He said that the Ahoms had even adopted Hinduism over time, and despite having the opportunity to assert various demands in the past, they chose not to do so.

Gogoi further claimed that during the British era, there were attempts to classify the Ahoms as a tribal community, but the community did not accept it at the time. “Today we see that neither the Ahoms nor the other five communities have received proper development. This is why tribal status is essential for us,” he said.

Accusing the government of repeatedly misleading the public, Gogoi said the latest bill related to tribal status had been brought in a manner that leaves no room for objection. He alleged that the BJP government had “symbolically put a huge Japi over the Assamese people,” suggesting attempts to silence their concerns.

Gogoi pointed out that a bill to grant tribal status to the six communities was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019. He also noted that in 2016, the then Congress-led state government had informed the Centre that it had no objection to granting ST status to these communities.

Targeting the BJP and RSS, Gogoi claimed that the organisations would never support granting tribal status to the six communities, alleging that their ideology is rooted in Brahminical principles.

The issue of ST status for the six communities—Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, Chutia, Moran, Matak, and Tai-Ahom—continues to be one of Assam’s most contentious political demands, with various groups repeatedly urging the Centre to take decisive action.

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