HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Aug 4: Over 5,000 people from various indigenous tribal communities on Monday took out a massive protest rally at Jagun against the Assam Cabinet’s decision to include non-protected communities under the protected class category and grant land pattas within the Tirap Tribal Belt and Block under Margherita (No 83) constituency in Tinsukia district.
Starting from Kangkan Ground at Lakla, the rally — led by the All Assam Tribal Sangha (Margherita sub-division) and the Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee, along with several students’ and community organisations — culminated in Jagun town.
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Participants from the Mising, Sonowal Kachari, Mech Kachari, Tangsa, Singpho, Tai Khamti, Tai Khamyang, Rabha, Tai Phakey, Hajong, Deori and Sema communities marched with banners and raised slogans, terming the decision a direct threat to the constitutional land rights, cultural identity and safeguards of Scheduled Tribes in the notified tribal belt.
Speakers at the rally stressed the historical role of the Tirap Tribal Belt and Block in protecting the rights and heritage of local tribes.
They warned the government that diluting its status would set a dangerous precedent for tribal areas across the state and country.
Pallab Shyam Wailung, general secretary of the Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee, said granting protected status and land rights to non-protected groups in the belt was a “gross violation” of Article 342 of the Constitution.
He warned that the movement would intensify if the decision was not withdrawn, and said BJP leaders would “face consequences” in the 2026 Assembly elections.
A memorandum demanding immediate revocation of the decision and wider consultation on all future policies concerning tribal belts and blocks was submitted to the Prime Minister through the Margherita Co-Deputy Commissioner.
The rally concluded peacefully, with protestors resolving to continue their agitation for the protection of tribal identity and constitutional safeguards.
