Assam: AKRSU demands ST status for Koch Rajbongshi, creation of Kamatapur state

The All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) staged a three-hour-long protest at Mahatma Gandhi Park in Kokrajhar on Thursday, demanding the inclusion of the Koch Rajbongshi community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and the creation of a separate Kamatapur state.

Led by the AKRSU Kokrajhar district unit, over a hundred members of the community participated in the demonstration, carrying placards, banners, and festoons while raising slogans against the BJP-led state and central governments. The protestors accused the government of betraying their promises to the Koch Rajbongshi community and failing to address their long-standing demands.

Speaking at the protest, AKRSU Central President Khitesh Ray criticized the government for delaying the recognition of the Koch Rajbongshi community as a Scheduled Tribe. He warned of intensified state-wide agitation if the government does not act before the winter session of the Assembly.

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“The demand for ST status is our rightful claim and has been pending for far too long. If the government fails to take any initiative, we will launch a vigorous movement across the state,” Ray stated.

In conjunction with the protest, a memorandum was submitted to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging them to fulfil the community's demands.

The protesters highlighted the socio-economic challenges faced by the Koch Rajbongshi community and argued that inclusion in the ST category would significantly improve their access to educational and employment opportunities. They also reiterated their demand for the creation of Kamatapur, citing the historical and cultural importance of the region to their identity.

The AKRSU's demonstration underscores the growing frustration among the Koch Rajbongshi community over the perceived neglect of their demands and serves as a reminder of their ongoing struggle for recognition and rights.