Assam: Tai Ahom groups stage massive protest in Margherita demanding ST status, autonomous council

Thousands of members from various Tai Ahom organisations staged a massive protest on November 9 evening demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the formation of an Autonomous Council.

 

The demonstration, organised under the banner of the Tai Ahom Unity Platform, saw participation from prominent organisations including the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU), Ahom Sabha, Tai Ahom Mahila Parishad, Poi Furalung, and Purvanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha.

 

The rally began with the ceremonial lighting of earthen lamps before the statue of Chaolung Sukapha near Eco Park and proceeded from the Margherita Town High School playground through NH-315, culminating at the North Margherita Rangmanch.

 

According to organisers, more than 10,000 people joined the protest, marching with flaming torches and raising slogans that echoed through the streets, demanding long-overdue recognition of the Tai Ahom community’s tribal identity and self-governance.

 

The leaders of the protest launched scathing criticism against both the Union and Assam state governments led by the BJP, accusing them of betraying the Tai Ahom people with “false promises” since coming to power in 2014.

 

They further warned that if the government fails to grant ST status and an Autonomous Council before the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tai Ahom community will intensify its agitation and may boycott the elections entirely.