Assam's Tribal Communities to Receive Support for Autonomous Councils

The Ministry of Home Affairs has pledged to appoint an interlocutor to address the long-standing demands of Assam's Rabha, Mising, and Tiwa communities for constitutional recognition of their autonomous councils. This commitment, made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting with community representatives, is seen as a significant step towards fulfilling the constitutional aspirations of these indigenous groups. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for this assurance, highlighting the importance of dialogue in safeguarding the rights of Assam's indigenous populations. The demand for constitutional status has been a persistent issue for these councils, which aim to promote the development of Scheduled Tribe communities across the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 18:53 IST

Government's Commitment to Tribal Rights

Guwahati, Dec 26: On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed plans to appoint an interlocutor to advance the long-standing request from three tribal communities in Assam for constitutional recognition of their autonomous councils, as stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

This announcement followed a meeting where Shah engaged with representatives from the Rabha, Mising, and Tiwa communities in New Delhi, alongside Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state minister Ranoj Pegu.

This initiative is viewed as a crucial step towards fulfilling the constitutional aspirations of these indigenous groups.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision, expressing his appreciation to the Union Home Minister, describing the assurance as 'deeply reassuring and heart-warming.'

In a message shared on a microblogging site, Sarma highlighted that Shah's promise to appoint an interlocutor and foster institutional dialogue demonstrates the Centre's commitment to inclusive governance and engagement with indigenous populations.

Sarma expressed his heartfelt thanks to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for meeting with the delegations from the Rabha, Mising, and Tiwa communities, who have long advocated for constitutional recognition of their Autonomous Councils.

He emphasized that the proposed dialogue would be instrumental in protecting the constitutional rights of Assam's indigenous people.

In a separate statement, Amit Shah acknowledged the concerns voiced by community representatives and assured them that their requests would be taken seriously.

'The Ministry of Home Affairs will soon designate a senior official to facilitate a fair and enduring resolution,' Shah remarked.

The quest for constitutional status has been a longstanding issue for the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, Mising Autonomous Council, and Tiwa Autonomous Council, which are currently recognized as statutory bodies by the Assam government.

These councils were established to enhance the social, economic, educational, ethnic, and cultural development of Scheduled Tribe communities living in key and surrounding areas across various districts in the state.