Overview

• The GoM’s findings will be placed before the Assam Assembly for debate, with the government saying it will act on the House’s decision.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that recognition could affect benefits for existing Scheduled Tribes and might require amending an earlier Assembly proposal.
• Tens of thousands from tea tribe organisations marched in Tinsukia seeking Scheduled Tribe status, land rights and a higher daily wage as the chief minister attended a welfare event.
• The chief minister said the BJP supports the demand for recognition and indicated party members would join the demonstrations.
• The six claimant groups—Moran, Matak, Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes—have escalated protests in recent months, and the GoM was first set up under Sarbananda Sonowal before being reconstituted.