Did ABSU and UPPL Have a Larger Role? Hagrama’s “ABSU Means UPPL” Comment Sparks Political Questions

A day after unprecedented violence rocked the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly Complex in Kokrajhar, Speaker Tridip Daimary conducted an on-ground inspection of the damaged premises, condemning the attack in the strongest terms and calling it an “unacceptable assault on a sacred democratic institution.”

Was this attack a spontaneous outburst by aggrieved students, or was there a more organized agenda behind the rampage? Observers are questioning whether the presence of ABSU flags signals coordination with political interests.

Speaker Slams Attackers, Calls for Legal Action

Speaking to the media after reviewing the extensive destruction inside and outside the Assembly hall, the BTC Speaker said that while democratic protests are welcome, “an attack on a sacred House cannot be justified under any circumstance.”

Daimary confirmed that the Secretary of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has already lodged an FIR, seeking strict legal action against the perpetrators. He told reporters that ABSU flags were visible among the protesting groups, raising questions about whether the demonstrators were acting on their own or under guidance from political leaders. The Speaker also suggested that the mob may even have intended to target elected Members of the Council, hinting at a deeper, possibly premeditated plan.

“The BTC was built with the blood of martyrs. An attack on this institution is highly unfortunate. If anyone attempts violence inside the House, they must face legal punishment,” Daimary said.

He added that the upcoming Winter Session of the BTC Assembly, scheduled from Monday, will proceed as planned, but whether it can continue without heightened tensions remains uncertain.

What Happened on Friday?

On November 29, around 3,000–4,000 protesters, mostly members of tribal student bodies opposing the proposed Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities, marched from Bodoland University and stormed the BTC Secretariat and Legislative Assembly Complex.

The mob forcibly entered the premises and allegedly vandalised:

• Chairs, tables and furniture

• Televisions and microphones

• CCTVs and sound systems

• Window glass panels and wooden doors

• Fire extinguishers and AC units

• Multiple office rooms and important files

Authorities fear that crucial documents may have been destroyed during the rampage. Was this mere chaos, or were specific files and rooms deliberately targeted?

FIR Filed by BTC Secretary (GAD)

In an official complaint to the Kokrajhar Police Station, the BTC Secretary (GAD) stated that the protesters had:

• Illegally trespassed the Assembly

• Vandalised government property

• Broken into office rooms

• Potentially damaged important documents

Police have been urged to investigate the matter thoroughly and initiate immediate action under relevant laws. Observers are now speculating whether law enforcement will uncover links to political groups behind the protest.

Hagrama Mohilary Explodes; Accuses ABSU & UPPL Leaders of Instigating Attack

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Former BTC Chief and BPF President Hagrama Mohilary launched a blistering attack on the current ruling party UPPL and the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), alleging that the vandalism was part of a politically motivated plan.

He accused ABSU and UPPL leaders of orchestrating the Assembly attack and misleading students for their own political gains.

“They wanted to attack me. Come on, attack me. Let me see who these ABSU and UPPL leaders are. If they have the courage, come and attack me. I am waiting. People will come to know one day which leaders have come up with what intentions in Dispur. I will not say anything on this. Who are these UPPL and ABSU leaders who have been in discussions on whom to give the ST status, and who have discussed this in Dispur? I have never been part of any such discussion on this matter in Delhi or Dispur till date. This is not the mistake of the students. The mistake is committed by the ABSU and UPPL leaders who have instigated them. They have made the students the victims, which we do not want. Though ABSU has not accepted this attack on their shoulder yet, we all know who vandalized the BTC Assembly. ABSU means UPPL, and vice versa. During our previous tenure in the BTC government, we had supported the initiative of giving ST status to Koch Rajbongshi and Adivasi communities, followed by no impact on the existing tribal communities. ABSU and UPPL leaders have not yet accepted the loss during the election and continue to take it up till date,” said Hagrama while addressing the media after the incident.

As Mohilary claimed that the UPPL has still not accepted its electoral defeat and accused the party of indulging in political theatrics to divert attention, could this be seen as a larger, ongoing political struggle disguised as student agitation?

Political Tensions Escalate as ST Status Debate Intensifies

The protests stem from renewed opposition to granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam — a long-standing issue that has generated friction among various tribal and indigenous groups.

BTC, home to multiple tribal populations, has become the epicentre of the tensions. Are these protests symptomatic of broader dissatisfaction with the handling of tribal rights, or are they being exploited by political players?

Speaker Daimary, however, said the administration is determined to maintain order, urging the state police to “bring all culprits to justice without delay.” Yet questions remain: who will be held accountable, and were the students mere pawns in a more complex political maneuver?

Also Read: Kokrajhar Erupts: Students Storm BTC Secretariat, "We Want Hagrama" Slogans Ring Out