UTOA, Former Volunteers’ Force slam government over unmet tribal promises, demand action on land encroachments in BTR

The United Tribal Organization of Assam (UTOA) and the Former Volunteers’ Force jointly addressed a press conference at the Kokrajhar Press Club on Saturday, November 1, raising several pressing concerns related to tribal rights, land protection, and government inaction on key commitments.

During the conference, UTOA President Marcus Basumatary and Former Volunteers’ Force President Bandou Brahma questioned the Assam government’s prolonged delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six indigenous communities of the state. They also voiced serious apprehension over the condition of Assam’s 47 officially designated Tribal Belts and Blocks, alleging that these protected areas face growing threats from encroachment and demographic pressure.

The two organizations urged Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and State BJP President Dilip Saikia to honor assurances given during the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. They demanded immediate eviction drives to remove purported illegal settlers from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and to safeguard tribal lands.

Expressing frustration over the non-implementation of a separate Bodoland, the leaders condemned both state and central authorities for what they described as unfulfilled promises made to the Bodo people. They highlighted issues such as the lack of progress on forming a dedicated Bodo Regiment in the Indian Army and the failure to strengthen legal and administrative protection for tribal areas.

Reiterating their commitment to the ongoing struggle, the UTOA and Former Volunteers’ Force affirmed that protests and advocacy efforts would continue until concrete government action is taken to safeguard tribal rights, land, and cultural recognition.