Opposition parties protest in Assam's Umrangso against alleged transfer of Sixth Schedule land to corporates

A protest march was held in Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district on January 31, against the alleged transfer of Sixth Schedule land to corporate houses and private companies, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led Autonomous Council and the state government of dispossessing tribal communities of their land and resources.

The protest was jointly organised by the Indian National Congress, the All-Party Hills Leaders’ Conference (APHLC), and the United Opposition Party. Representatives and supporters of several political groups participated in the march, which brought parts of Umrangso town to a standstill.

Opposition leaders alleged that large tracts of tribal land had been handed over for projects such as solar power plants, palm oil cultivation, and industrial ventures backed by corporate groups.
“Our land is being taken away in the name of development. Sixth Schedule land is being sold to big corporates and MNCs, which will destroy tribal rights and the future of our people,” a protest leader said. He added that land suitable for tourism and sustainable livelihoods was instead being diverted for factories and industrial projects.

Questioning claims of employment generation, the protesters argued that large projects do not benefit local tribal youth. “Thousands of bighas of land will go, but how many jobs will our village boys actually get? These industries need skilled labour, and very few from our villages have access to skill certification. At best, one security guard gets a job,” a leader alleged.

The protesters said similar demonstrations had earlier been held in Diphu and that the Umrangso protest marked the beginning of a wider agitation in Dima Hasao. Slogans such as “Remove Debolal Gorlosa” and “Save the Sixth Schedule” were raised during the march.

Leaders also accused the BJP of exploiting tribal resources while reducing indigenous people to low-paying roles. “They want tribals to remain chowkidars while our land and wealth are taken away,” a speaker alleged.

During the protest, opposition leaders submitted a memorandum demanding protection of Sixth Schedule provisions and alleging illegal invocation of powers in Dima Hasao district. They said the memorandum would be forwarded to higher authorities for necessary action.

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides special administrative protections to tribal areas in the Northeast, including safeguards over land ownership and governance through autonomous councils.