Thousands of Tea Tribe community members gathered in Dibrugarh, pressing the government to grant long-awaited Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and ensure social and political justice.
In a show of massive strength and unity, members of Assam’s tea tribe and Adivasi communities took to the streets of Dibrugarh on Monday, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, land rights, and wage revisions. The protest, organized by over 40 organizations including the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA), and Assam Chah Janajati Mahasabha, witnessed participation from thousands across the region.
Protestors assembled at three key locations, Murlidhar Jalan Bus Terminus, Mancotta Playground, and Barpathar Playground, before converging at Chowkidinghee, where the main rally was held. Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protestors reiterated their long-pending demand for constitutional recognition and better socio-economic safeguards.
The protest comes despite recent assurances from Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had earlier stated that the state government, along with the BJP, supports the demand for ST status for six communities, including the tea tribes. However, he also mentioned that any further action would depend on the recommendations of a high-powered ministerial committee.
The committee, tasked with examining the issue in detail, is expected to submit its report during the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, scheduled for November 25.
Today’s protest follows a similar rally held in Tinsukia recently, also timed with the Chief Minister’s visit to the district.
The tea tribes and Adivasi communities, who form a significant part of Assam’s workforce, particularly in the tea industry, have been demanding ST status for decades. With the ministerial committee’s report expected soon, all eyes are now on the state government’s next move.
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