Komtapur State Demand Council calls rail blockade in Assam's Kokrajhar over statehood, ST status

Fresh political pressure is building in western Assam as the Komtapur State Demand Council (KSDC) announced a rail blockade in Kokrajhar on February 15, renewing its demand for a separate Komtapur state and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community.

 

At a press conference in Kokrajhar, district KSDC president Baniram Barman accused the BJP-led governments in Assam and at the Centre of failing to act on repeated assurances made to the community. He said the proposed blockade is part of a wider agitation aimed at forcing a political decision ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

 

The organisation has sought an immediate peace accord with the KLO and the reorganisation of a separate Komtapur state. It has also pressed for the inclusion of the Koch-Rajbongshi community in the Scheduled Tribe category, arguing that the demand has remained unresolved for years despite electoral promises.

 

Barman alleged that commitments are made during election campaigns but are not followed through after polls. He warned that if the demands remain unaddressed, the ruling party would face political consequences in the forthcoming elections in Assam and West Bengal.

 

The KSDC also criticised the West Bengal government, holding it responsible for not responding to the aspirations of the Koch-Rajbongshi population in the state.

 

Calling for large-scale participation, the organisation said the February 15 rail blockade would mark the beginning of a sustained democratic movement until its demands are met.