Assam: Matak Community Stages Massive Protest, Demands ST Status and Autonomy

Nearly 20,000 members of the Matak community flooded the streets of Upper Assam, rejecting the state government’s call for dialogue and demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and complete autonomy.

Leaders vowed to persist with their protests until the government takes concrete steps to address their demands.

The rally followed an invitation from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for talks on September 25, prompted by an earlier protest in Tinsukia. However, the Matak community declined to engage, signalling deep-seated tensions with the state government.

“We will continue our fight against this deceitful government until our demands are met,” declared a protester during the demonstration.

The Matak agitation echoes a similar protest earlier this month by the Moran community in Dibrugarh, where marchers, led by the All Moran Students’ Union, rallied in Margherita to demand ST recognition.

Both communities have emphasised that ST status is essential to safeguard their cultural identity, political rights, and access to development opportunities. The Mataks also stressed that full autonomy would empower them to make critical decisions and shape their own future.

Leaders from the community said that Mataks have pledged to sustain their campaign until the government delivers meaningful action to address their long-standing grievances.

Protests are expected to take place on Saturday evening as well.