Thousands of Adivasi activists and community members took to the streets of Kokrajhar on Friday, demanding long-pending rights and welfare measures. The rally, organised by the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) along with eight other Adivasi organisations, called for the recognition of Adivasis as Scheduled Tribes (ST), implementation of the Adivasi peace accord, daily wages of Rs 551, distribution of land pattas, and other socio-economic benefits.
The protest began at Dimolmgaon Playground and moved towards Green Field under the banner of the Coordination Committee of Adivasi Organisations. Participants carried banners and shouted slogans highlighting the community’s grievances, which, according to leaders, have been repeatedly ignored despite assurances from both the Assam government and the central government.
Godwin Hembram, president of AASAA, said that although a peace accord had been signed with Adivasi militant groups, its implementation has been slow and incomplete. “We want immediate action on rehabilitation packages, development programmes, and measures to ensure lasting peace and justice for our people,” Hembram said. 
