Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi staged a demonstration outside the Assam Legislative Assembly on Saturday demanding immediate action from the government to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six indigenous communities of the state. The protest drew attention to what Gogoi called the long delay and unfulfilled promises by both the state and central authorities on this issue.
Addressing the protesters, Gogoi reaffirmed the demand of the Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribe communities for recognition as Scheduled Tribes. He criticized the political establishment, saying it has systematically denied these communities their rightful status.
“We are Ahom, but we embrace the Assamese identity. We sacrificed our distinct recognition for unity, yet we continue to remain deprived,” Gogoi said. He urged the government to acknowledge the historical injustices faced by these communities and take concrete steps to address them. 
Gogoi highlighted that a bill to grant ST status to the six communities was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019, but little progress has been made since then. He alleged that political interference from the BJP and RSS, which he described as stemming from a “Brahmanical mindset,” has obstructed the process.
Expanding his demand, Gogoi also called for including the Kalita, Nath–Yogi, Madahi, and Saodang communities under the tribal framework. He further urged that Assam be declared a tribal state to ensure protection of indigenous rights.
“This is not a demand for privilege; this is a demand for justice,” Gogoi said. He warned that the movement would gain momentum and intensify if the government continues to remain inactive on the matter.
