Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Tribal Groups Rally Against ST Status for Six Communities in Sonapur
Imagine different groups of people in Assam.
One group, who are already officially recognized as tribal people, held a big protest.
They are worried because six other groups, who are not currently recognized as tribal, want to be added to the special tribal list.
The protesting tribal groups are afraid that if more communities are added, it might affect their own rights and the special benefits they get.
They feel that their special status is being threatened.
They pointed out that in the past, when one community was added, it caused problems.
They believe there's no need for new tribal groups to be recognized after India became independent.
They worry that these demands could harm their community's progress and identity.
Thousands of tribal community members rallied in Sonapur against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six non-tribal communities.
Protesters from CCTOWA voiced concerns that granting ST status would threaten their constitutional rights, identity, and reserved seats.
A specific concern was raised regarding past issues when the Koch-Rajbongshi community was granted temporary ST status.
The six communities demanding ST status are Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Adivasi, with their demand dating back to 2014.
The proposal for ST status for these communities was approved by a bill in 2019 but remains pending, with the Union Tribal Affairs Minister stating it is under serious consideration.
- Who
- Coordination Committee for Tribal Organisation and Welfare Association (CCTOWA) and other tribal groups; six non-tribal communities (Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Adivasi); Government of India, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.
- What
- A large tribal rally was held to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six non-tribal communities. Protesters expressed concerns that granting ST status would threaten their constitutional rights, identity, and reserved seats.
- When
- Monday, November 10. The demand for ST status dates back to 2014.
- Where
- Sonapur Mini Stadium, Sonapur, Assam.
- Why
- Tribal groups oppose the inclusion of new communities in the ST list, fearing it will dilute their rights and benefits, referencing past issues with the Koch-Rajbongshi community and arguing against new inclusions post-Independence.
Tribal Groups' Concerns
Communities Seeking ST Status
Granting of ST Status
Tribal Groups' Concerns
Tribal groups, represented by CCTOWA, fear that granting ST status to six non-tribal communities (Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Adivasi) will threaten their constitutional rights, identity, and reserved seats, citing past issues with the Koch-Rajbongshi community.
Communities Seeking ST Status
Six non-tribal communities have been demanding ST status since 2014, with the proposal having been approved by the Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill in 2019, and is currently under serious consideration by the Union government.
Post-Independence Inclusions
Tribal Groups' Concerns
Protesters argue that there is no longer a need to grant new tribal status to communities after India's independence.
Communities Seeking ST Status
The communities seeking ST status have been advocating for their inclusion since 2014.
Impact on Tribal Progress
Tribal Groups' Concerns
CCTOWA members believe attempts are being made to 'pull them down' and destroy their progress by granting new tribal status.
Communities Seeking ST Status
The Union Tribal Affairs Minister stated in June that the matter is being 'seriously considered'.
- Event
- Tribal rally opposing ST status for six communities
- Location
- Sonapur Mini Stadium, Sonapur
- Date
- Monday, November 10
- Organizing Body
- Coordination Committee for Tribal Organisation and Welfare Association (CCTOWA)
- Demanding ST Status
- Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Adivasi communities
- Government Consideration
- Union Tribal Affairs Minister stated matter is being 'seriously considered' in June. Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill 2019 approved status, but proposal is pending.
