Assam: Ahom students’ body refutes claims of dominance and privilege in state

The All Tai Ahom Students’ Association (CCTOA) held a press conference in Sivasagar today, October 19 where its president, Basanta Gogoi, addressed controversial remarks made by CCTOA Secretary Aditya Khakhlari regarding tribal recognition in Assam.

Gogoi acknowledged that while concern for the future of Assam’s various communities is valid, Khakhlari’s comments were allegedly unconstitutional. Khakhlari had referred to the Ahom community as an “advanced community,” suggesting they had historically exerted dominance even before gaining tribal recognition. He further claimed that other backward communities could be deprived of development opportunities as a result.

On another matter, Gogoi spoke about the alleged harassment of a Mishing woman by an Indian Army jawan in Sivasagar district, highlighting that the All Tai Ahom Students’ Association had stood in support of the victim.

Regarding Khakhlari’s demand for a socio-economic study prior to granting tribal recognition to Assam’s six communities, Gogoi welcomed the idea but emphasized that similar studies should also include communities that have already received tribal recognition. He urged the government to establish a specialized committee to oversee this process.

Gogoi recalled that the Bodo community gained tribal recognition in 1971 and has since progressed under the “State Under State” policy. He warned that financial empowerment could lead to demands for a separate state.

Responding to Khakhlari’s remarks that Ahoms do not need tribal recognition because they ruled for six centuries, Gogoi asked, “Did the Bodos not govern? Did they not develop? Have many Bodos not attained high government positions?”

He further noted: “While the Ahoms ruled for six centuries, it was a monarchical system, and the environment then was different. The Ahoms demonstrated ideals of socialism and equality. If Khakhlari understands this, he should refrain from making such remarks. Had the Ahoms not resisted external powers 17 times, Assam’s language, culture, and environment today would have been entirely different.”

Finally, Gogoi addressed claims that the Ahom community has enjoyed all benefits, questioning which communities leaders like Sarbananda Sonowal and Dr. Ranoj Pegu represent. He clarified that Khakhlari’s statistical comparison targeted only the Ahom community and urged the Bodo community not to misunderstand the context.