In one of the largest demonstrations seen in recent years, around 30,000 members of the Chutia community gathered in Borhola, Titabar, on Saturday, demanding that the government finally grant them Scheduled Tribe (ST) status; a recognition they have been seeking for over four decades.
The protest, organised by the Chutia Yuva Sanmilan, Assam (CYSA), turned Borhola into a sea of banners, placards, and slogans as people from different districts of Upper Assam joined the rally. The demonstrators marched peacefully along the main roads, shouting slogans such as “Grant ST Status Now” and “Justice for Chutias.”
Community leaders said that the protest was not just a demand for recognition but also a call for respect and equality. “We have been demanding ST status since 1979. Every government has made promises, but none have kept them. It is heartbreaking that a community native to Assam still has to take to the streets to claim its rightful place,” a CYSA representative said during the gathering. 
The leaders reminded the government of the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2014 election campaign, when he had assured that six ethnic communities of Assam — including the Chutias — would be given ST status within 100 days of coming to power. “It has been more than ten years now, and nothing has been done. The Centre and the state government have both failed us,” another leader remarked, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
The CYSA accused the Assam government of delaying the process by not submitting the mandatory expert report to the Centre. They said this shows a lack of seriousness and political will to resolve the issue. “We have waited patiently for too long. The government talks about development and inclusivity, but our identity remains unrecognised,” the organisation said in a statement.
The protestors also criticised certain groups and leaders who have been opposing their inclusion in the ST list. Referring to Tribal Union leader Aditya Khakhlari’s opposition, a CYSA member said, “This is not the time for politics. As Zubeen Garg said in his song, ‘Politics Nokoriba Bondhu’ — don’t do politics, my friend.” The crowd responded with cheers, chanting the late singer’s name and slogans of unity.
The protest in Titabar was marked by discipline and strong coordination. Volunteers managed the crowd efficiently, ensuring that the demonstration remained peaceful despite the massive turnout. Many local residents came out to show their support, while shops and small businesses in the area remained closed for the day.
Elderly members of the community, who have witnessed years of unfulfilled promises, expressed frustration and disappointment. “We were told in 2014 that the matter would be solved within 100 days. It has now been more than ten years. We feel betrayed,” said 68-year-old Prabhat Chutia from Jorhat district.
The CYSA leaders warned that if the government does not act promptly, the movement will spread across Assam. “This protest is only the beginning of a larger struggle. If our demand is ignored even now, we will launch the third phase of our agitation across the state. The government must remember that elections are approaching, and our patience has limits,” the organisation said.
Many protestors said that ST recognition would not only be a matter of pride but also a means to access government schemes meant for tribal welfare, which could help uplift thousands of poor Chutia families.
Several participants travelled long distances from districts like Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Dhemaji to join the protest. They carried traditional flags and wore traditional attire, turning the rally into both a political statement and a cultural celebration. Young students and women participated in large numbers, showing that the demand for ST status has now become a movement uniting generations.
Police were deployed in large numbers to ensure security, but no untoward incidents were reported. The protest concluded peacefully with a public meeting where community leaders vowed to continue their struggle democratically until their demand was fulfilled.
