Students’ Union AKRASU observes ‘betrayal day’ across Dhubri, demands ST status, separate Kamtapur state

The All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRASU) observed August 28 as ‘Betrayal Day’ or ‘Black Day’ across Assam's Dhubri district, protesting what it described as the non-fulfilment of historical commitments made to the Koch-Rajbongshi community.

As part of the annual protest, AKRASU members hoisted black flags at various government offices and key public intersections and raised slogans against the government.

In Chagolia along the Assam-West Bengal border, the undivided Goalpara district unit of AKRASU hoisted a black flag at the Chagolia Tiniali junction and staged a demonstration.

The protesters reiterated their long-standing demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community and the creation of a separate Kamtapur state.

The significance of August 28 dates back to 1949, when the Merger Agreement was signed between the then Prime Minister of India and Jagaddipendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, the last king of the princely state of Cooch Behar.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cooch Behar was promised the status of a ‘Category C’ state within the Indian Union. AKRASU leaders alleged that successive Central and state governments systematically ignored the commitments outlined in the 1949 pact, reducing the region’s status and neglecting the rights of the indigenous Koch-Rajbongshi people.

The student union said observing ‘Betrayal Day’ serves as a reminder of the historical grievance and reinforces its ongoing movement for autonomy and constitutional recognition.

A black flag was also hoisted at the Co-District Office in Golakganj as part of the protest.