The All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU) president, Basanta Gogoi, on Tuesday strongly criticized the Assam government over the long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous communities. Speaking at a press conference in Sivasagar, Gogoi accused a BJP minister of inciting public sentiment against these communities and called on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take strict action.
Gogoi said that a minister had financially supported a rally in Sonapur, which, according to him, deliberately stirred public anger against the six communities. “Such behaviour cannot be tolerated. It is a direct insult to nearly two crore people belonging to these communities,” Gogoi said. He urged the Chief Minister to act against the minister and ensure that no further provocations occur.
He also emphasized that ministers and MLAs representing the six communities should hold the state government accountable for failing to protect the rights of their people. “We will no longer remain silent. The six communities cannot be denied their constitutional rights. This issue will now become election-centric if not resolved,” Gogoi warned. 
Highlighting the government’s repeated promises, Gogoi said, “The BJP had assured us of granting ST status, but years have passed, and nothing has been done. Now it feels like the government is deliberately delaying the process.” He expressed concern that continued inaction could create tension across Assam, urging the state to act quickly to prevent unrest.
Gogoi reaffirmed that the demand for ST status is both a constitutional and democratic right. “We are seeking justice through legal and constitutional means. The government must act to ensure peace and fairness in Assam,” he said, adding that failure to do so could disturb the harmony in the state.
