HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 28: Student protests continued for the second consecutive day in Kokrajhar after the Assam Cabinet accepted the report of the Group of Ministers recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities of the state.
The decision has triggered widespread discontent among tribal student organisations, leading to demonstrations across Kokrajhar and other parts of Assam.
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At Kokrajhar Science College, members of the ABSU students’ unit staged a large protest opposing the Cabinet’s move, arguing that the six communities are socially and economically advanced and that according ST status to them would jeopardise the rights and identity of existing tribal groups.
The students locked the main entrance of the college and held a prolonged sit-in demonstration, raising slogans against the government’s decision.
The college campus witnessed a charged atmosphere with students holding placards and shouting slogans such as “Stop ST status for six communities,” “Assam government down-down,” and “Anti-tribal go back.”
Several hundred students joined the agitation, blocking entry to the institution and pressing the government to withdraw the proposal.
The protest by Kokrajhar Science College’s ABSU unit reflects growing unrest among tribal groups, who fear that extending ST status to the six communities will dilute long-standing tribal safeguards.
Student bodies said they will intensify protests in the coming days if the government proceeds with the recommendation.
More demonstrations are expected across the state as tensions continue to escalate over the issue.
