Rabha groups protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demand Sixth Schedule status for RHAC

Rabha organisations staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday, August 10 demanding the inclusion of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the immediate appointment of an interlocutor to initiate the process.

The demonstration, organised by the All Rabha Students' Union, Rabha Mahila Parishad and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee in coordination with the Rabha Hasong Joint Struggle Committee, was held between 11 am and 1 pm.

The organisations also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, outlining their longstanding demand for greater constitutional protection and autonomy for the Rabha community.

The memorandum referred to the Rabha movement of 1993 and the 1995 Rabha Accord, under which the autonomous council was established to promote and protect the language, culture and socio-economic interests of the tribal community. The RHAC covers 779 revenue villages across Assam's Goalpara and Kamrup districts.

The organisations said that although the RHAC conducted its first council elections in 2013, the absence of Sixth Schedule status has restricted its administrative and financial powers. They also raised concerns over demographic changes and migration, which they said have affected the interests and identity of indigenous communities in the council area.

The Rabha bodies pointed to an assurance given by the Assam government in February 2024 regarding constitutional recognition for the Rabha, Mising and Tiwa autonomous councils. They also recalled the tripartite meeting held in New Delhi on December 25, 2025, involving representatives of the RHAC, the Assam government and the Centre.

According to the organisations, the Centre had assured during the meeting that an interlocutor would be appointed to facilitate discussions on the demand for Sixth Schedule status. They said that despite the assurance that the appointment would be made by January 2026, no such appointment has been made so far.

RHAC Chief Executive Member and Dudhnoi MLA Tankeswar Rabha said the inclusion of the council area under the Sixth Schedule was necessary to address concerns over illegal migration and protect the interests of indigenous communities.

Rabha alleged that Goalpara and adjoining areas had emerged as entry points for illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said stronger constitutional safeguards were required to protect tribal and local communities.

He also announced that protests would be held at Jantar Mantar every three months until the RHAC area is brought under the Sixth Schedule.

The protesters also expressed disappointment over the delay in appointing an interlocutor despite the Centre's earlier assurance. Rabha said the people of the RHAC area had supported the BJP-led government in the previous Assam Assembly elections and expected action on their longstanding demand.

A representative of the Kalita community also backed the demand, urging the Centre to act on issues concerning the protection of community, land and indigenous interests.

Representatives of several communities and organisations, including Rabha, Bodo, Garo, Hajong, Tea Tribes, Gorkha and Kalita groups, participated in the demonstration.

Among those present were All Rabha Students' Union president Motilal Rabha, general secretary Dr Subhash Rabha, Boko-Chaygaon MLA Raju Mech, Dudhnoi MLA Tankeswar Rabha and West Goalpara MLA Pabitra Rabha.