Assam: Rabha Hasong groups to take key call on Sixth Schedule demand ahead of 2026 polls

The Rabha Hasong Sixth Schedule Demand Committee will convene its 7th tri-annual conference on December 29 and 30 at Satpara village under the Boko–Chaygaon constituency in Assam’s Kamrup district, where a crucial decision is expected on the community’s political stance for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Preparations for the event began with the traditional Laikhuta Sthapon ceremony held on October 31 at the Satpara public playground. The event was organised jointly by the Rabha Hasong Sixth Schedule Demand Committee, All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU), Rabha Mahila Parishad and allied organisations. The ceremonial post was erected by Sonaram Rabha, Chairman of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).

Addressing the gathering, ARSU president Motilal Rabha urged cooperation from all communities in the region to ensure the success of the upcoming conference. He said the demand for inclusion of the RHAC under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution will once again be placed before Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the session. He added that Rabha organisations are prepared to intensify their agitation if the issue remains unresolved.

Committee president Dashanan Rabha recalled that the organisation was established in 2003 and has since continued its campaign for constitutional recognition. Warning of stronger action, he stated that the Rabha Hasong bodies may adopt a “decisive course” in the 2026 Assembly elections if the demand for Sixth Schedule status is ignored.

Several RHAC executive members, including Arjun Chetry, Ramakanta Rabha and Aditya Rabha, as well as Pardip Rabha, ARSU, Vice President and President of the reception committee, and local leaders, were present during the ceremony, marking the formal start of preparations for the high-stakes conference.