Bir Chilarai birth anniversary: Koch-Rajbongshi groups renew demand for Sixth Schedule in Assam

The 516th birth anniversary of Bir Chilarai was observed on February 1 at the premises of his permanent statue at Abhayapuri in Assam’s Bongaigaon district.

Bir Chilarai, also known as Shukladhwaj Koch, was a renowned Koch military general of the Koch Kingdom and the younger brother of King Naranarayan. He is remembered for his military prowess and strategic brilliance, which played a crucial role in shaping the political history of medieval Assam.

As part of the birth anniversary programme, various events were organised, including flag hoisting, lighting of lamps, and offering floral tributes at the statue. Members of different organisations and local residents participated in the observance.

From the venue of the celebrations, Koch-Rajbongshi organisations once again raised demands for granting Scheduled Tribe status to the community. The groups also urged the BJP-led government to address their long-standing demands, including issues related to Kamatapur land and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, paid tribute to Bir Chilarai, remembering him as one of Assam’s finest military generals and a strategic thinker. “His bravery and love for Aai Asom continue to inspire everyone in Assam and encourage us to dedicate ourselves to the motherland,” the Chief Minister wrote.