Assam: Dhubri erupts as Garia Maria Deshi Jatiya Parishad demands OBC status, land rights

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on November 29, as the Dhubri Zilla Samiti of the Garia Maria Deshi Jatiya Parishad in Assam’s Dhubri, staged a massive demonstration in front of the co-district office in Golakganj. The rally aimed to press long-pending demands related to the socio-economic security and official recognition of the indigenous Deshi community. With strong slogans echoing across the area, demonstrators expressed deep frustration over what they described as the government’s failure to act on issues vital to their identity and survival.

The Parishad highlighted five core demands during the protest. They called for the immediate granting of OBC status to the Deshi community so that members can access reservation benefits and development schemes. They also sought the swift initiation of a comprehensive Garia-Maria Deshi survey to determine the community’s population, demographic presence and socio-economic conditions. Another key demand was the provision of land pattas, or title deeds, to secure ancestral land rights and prevent displacement. The Parishad further urged the government to set up a dedicated Deshi Development Council to design and implement welfare programmes. Finally, they demanded that the government remove the long-standing ‘D-Voter’ tag from community members, a label that has hindered their citizenship rights and political participation.

Afzalur Rahman, president of the Parishad, stressed that these demands reflect the fundamental constitutional rights needed for the community to live with dignity as an integral part of Assamese society. “We are indigenous people, yet our rights, our land, and even our identity are constantly questioned,” a protest leader said during the demonstration.

The large and organised turnout showcased the growing political and social awareness among the Garia-Maria Deshi community in Dhubri district. The Parishad warned that if the government fails to address their demands promptly, they are prepared to intensify their agitation in the coming days.