Massive protests erupt in Haflong against bill granting ST status to six communities

Widespread protests swept through Dima Hasao district as several tribal student organisations rallied against the bill introduced in the Assam Legislative Assembly seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities of the state.

Members of the Dimasa Students’ Union, All Dimasa Students’ Union and various other tribal student bodies marched from the Haflong Town Committee field, bringing the town’s streets to a standstill. The protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill, asserting that the proposal threatens the rights and interests of existing tribal communities in the hill district.

The organisations described the government’s move as “unacceptable” and “harmful,” warning that the inclusion of the six communities in the ST list could lead to socio-economic and political imbalance in tribal-majority districts like Dima Hasao.

Speaking at the demonstration, Dimasa Students’ Union General Secretary Pramit Chengyung urged the state government to reconsider the proposed amendment. “We reject the proposal taken in the Assembly on November 27 to grant ST status to the six communities,” he said.

Chengyung further alleged that the government’s decision was politically motivated, claiming that the combined population of the six communities, estimated at nearly one crore, was being targeted with an eye on the 2026 Assembly elections.

He added that, as per Article 244(A) of the Sixth Schedule, any proposal related to the creation of a separate Autonomous State must first receive approval from the Assam Legislative Assembly before being taken up in Parliament. “If that is done, the 40 lakh tribal people of Assam will accept the proposal,” Chengyung stated.

The protesting organisations reiterated their stance that safeguarding the rights of indigenous Scheduled Tribe communities must remain the state’s priority.