How Did Protesters Break the Main Gate of the BTC Secretariat So Easily?

Thousands of tribal students from Bodoland University reportedly mobilised in Kokrajhar on Saturday to protest the state government’s proposed move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam.

The mobilisation saw students march from the Bodoland University gate toward the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat, raising concerns about potential threats to existing tribal rights and benefits.

Procession and Slogans

The student march, which reportedly passed through Deborgaon and JD Road, featured loud and emphatic slogans, including:

• “We want Hagrama”

• “We Want Justice”

• “Cancel ST for Six Communities”

• “Tribal Unity Zindabad”

Observers suggested that the slogans reflected frustration among sections of the tribal student community, who fear that granting ST status to six additional communities could undermine their tribal identity and dilute existing benefits.

Possible Breach of BTC Secretariat

Unconfirmed reports indicate that protestors may have broken through the main entrance gate of the BTC Secretariat. Eyewitnesses claim that hundreds of students entered the premises, while security personnel, possibly including Assam Police and commandos, struggled to control the situation.

Speculative reports also suggest damage to office furniture and documents inside the Secretariat complex, including areas near the BTC Legislative Assembly building. However, these details remain unverified and await official confirmation.

Formal Representation to BTC Chief

Alongside the protest, tribal students submitted a formal memorandum to the Chief of the BTC through the District Commissioner of Kokrajhar district, opposing the proposed ST status for the six communities. The memorandum cited fears that the move could:

• Affect existing tribal communities’ access to resources

• Reduce educational and economic opportunities

• Weaken present safeguards available to recognized Scheduled Tribes in Assam

The students argued that inclusion of the six new communities could significantly impact the socio-economic advancement of the indigenous ST population. They requested the BTC administration to reconsider the move, cancel the proposed ST status declaration, and safeguard the rights and interests of existing tribal communities. The memorandum was officially received and acknowledged by the District Commissioner's office on November 29, 2025.

Student Demands and Warnings

Protesting groups reportedly warned that the agitation would continue unless the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) withdrew its no-objection position on the ST issue. Some students expressed discontent toward certain Bodo political leaders, claiming they had not opposed the move strongly enough.

Authorities on Alert

As the situation escalated, senior officials, including the Kokrajhar Senior Supdt. of Police and District Commissioner, were seen at the scene to assess developments. The protest also included a peaceful demonstration rally earlier in the day, from 2 PM to 5 PM, beginning at the Bodoland University gate and concluding at the BTC Secretariat.

Ongoing Situation

The situation in Kokrajhar remains fluid, with authorities verifying the extent of any breach or damage.

Further updates are expected as official confirmation and reports become available.

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