Assam: Moran community launches new political forum ‘Jatiya Gan Mancha’ to strengthen autonomy movement

Marking a significant political development, the indigenous Moran community has launched a new political platform named “Jatiya Gan Mancha” (National People’s Forum) with the aim of uniting the community and advancing its demand for autonomy.

The forum was formally declared during a massive public rally at Kakopathar in Tinsukia district, organized under the initiative of the Assam Moran Sabha, All Moran Students’ Union, Moran Mahila Parishad, Moran Sahitya Sabha, All Moran Art and Culture Development Centre, and Moran National Educational Development Forum. The event witnessed the participation of thousands of Moran community members.

The gathering began with devotional songs and blessings from elder women, symbolizing ancestral goodwill. Assam Moran Sabha president Rajib Bora, along with other community leaders, inaugurated the forum by unveiling its official plaque.

In the leadership announcement, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Hiranya Kumar Dahotia was appointed as the president of the Jatiya Gan Mancha, while former All Moran Students’ Union leader Bhulen Moran was named its general secretary.

Parallel to the main body, two affiliated wings were also launched on the same day — the Moran National Women’s Forum and the Moran National Youth Forum — aimed at engaging women and younger generations in the socio-political movement.

According to data shared by the Assam Moran Sabha, there are currently 1.53 lakh Moran people across Assam, with nearly 85,000 eligible voters.

The forum’s stated mission is to politically awaken the Moran people, safeguard their reservation rights, and promote holistic development of the community. Importantly, leaders clarified that the Jatiya Gan Mancha will not contest panchayat, assembly, or parliamentary elections. Instead, its sole electoral focus will be the Moran Autonomous Council.

For the proposed council, 30 constituencies have been identified across Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Gelakey, Dhemaji, Moran, Sivasagar, and Charaideo districts. Out of these, five constituencies will be reserved for women, with each constituency comprising 2,800–3,000 voters. Reports indicate that several former leaders have already begun campaigning to contest future council elections under the forum’s banner.