Overview
- State tribal affairs minister Ranoj Pegu held the first formal meeting with the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam to discuss the Group of Ministers report on granting ST status to Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribe/Adivasi.
- CCTOA submitted interim objections and will form an expert committee to deliver a detailed response within a month after being advised to study specific sections of the report.
- Key objections include keeping any proposed ST (Valley) category from affecting Central jobs and admissions, excluding undivided Goalpara from Koch-Rajbongshi inclusion, and strengthening identification and verification mechanisms.
- The All Assam Tribal Students’ Union has petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to block the move, arguing the six communities do not meet Lokur Committee criteria and that inclusion would erode protections for existing tribes.
- Authorities say existing ST rights will be protected, protests in the Bodoland region have previously turned violent, and organisers have paused demonstrations during the consultation process while seeking talks with the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister.