21st Adivasi Mahasabha begins in Tinsukia; ST status, land rights in focus, 5 lakh expected

The 21st Adivasi Mahasabha commenced on January 29 at the Bargolai Dehing Sports Project Coordination Field under the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly constituency in Tinsukia district, marking a major socio-political gathering of the Adivasi community.

The four-day event, being held for the first time at the Bargolai Dehing venue, is spread across 87 bighas of land and is expected to draw Adivasi participants not only from Assam and the Northeast but also from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and other parts of the country. The Mahasabha is being organised by the All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AASAA), Tinsukia district committee, in collaboration with Adivasi Jani Shakti Sangati, and will continue till February 1.

The inaugural day witnessed a series of activities including flag hoisting, tree plantation and a cleanliness drive, along with the formal opening of entry gates and the main stage. Statues of singer Zubeen Garg, tribal icon Birsa Munda, late Justin Lakra, the founder president of AASAA, and Pradip Nag were unveiled during the programme. A martyrs’ memorial was also unveiled as part of the opening-day observances.

The organisers said the open session scheduled for February 1 is expected to be the highlight of the Mahasabha. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will attend the session as the chief guest, along with several ministers and MLAs from Jharkhand. According to the organisers, more than five lakh people are expected to gather for the open session.

Addressing the media, AASAA founding members Joseph Budding and Clement Barla said the open session will focus on detailed discussions on key issues concerning Adivasi people living in Assam. These include the long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe status, land pattas, enhancement of daily wages for tea garden workers and other related socio-economic rights.

The Mahasabha is being seen as a significant platform for articulating Adivasi aspirations and consolidating demands ahead of the upcoming political developments in the state.