Growing Discontent Over Delay in Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Elections

The Sonowal Kachari community in Dibrugarh is expressing significant frustration over the delay in elections for the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council. Despite claims from officials that preparations are complete, the absence of an official election schedule has led to protests demanding immediate action. Community leaders criticize the government for infringing on their political rights and warn of broader movements if elections are not held soon. The SKAC, which includes 32 constituencies across Assam, was established to ensure the community's representation. The situation is escalating as community members seek accountability from the State government.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 11:40 IST

Protests Erupt Over Election Delays

Dibrugarh, Jan 10: A wave of frustration is rising among the Sonowal Kachari community due to the ongoing postponement of elections for the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council (SKAC). Despite officials claiming that all necessary arrangements are in place, no official election schedule has been released, leading to widespread anger and confusion.

On Friday, community members gathered for a sit-in protest at the Chowkidingee intersection in Dibrugarh, chanting slogans against the State government and demanding an immediate announcement of the election date.

The demonstration was organized collaboratively by the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, the Sonowal Kachari Yuva Parishad, and the All Sonowal Kachari Society.

Speakers at the protest criticized the government’s perceived indecisiveness, accusing it of infringing upon the political and constitutional rights of the Sonowal Kachari voters by delaying the election notification.

Milan Sonowal, president of the Sonowal Kachari Yuva Parishad and former chief executive member of the SKAC, expressed his disappointment over the ongoing delay, questioning why the State government has not moved forward with the elections despite completing all preliminary steps.

“It is our constitutional right, and the Chief Minister cannot provide weak excuses to postpone the election,” he stated.

Dipak Saikia, general secretary of the All Sonowal Kachari Society, warned that if elections are not conducted soon, the community will be compelled to initiate a larger, peaceful democratic movement in the near future.

He alleged that political motives are behind the delay, suggesting that the BJP-led government, led by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, is attempting to undermine the constitutional rights of the Sonowal Kachari community out of fear of electoral defeat, as seen in the recent Bodoland Territorial Council elections.

Budhin Sonowal, general secretary of the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the election is a fundamental right of the community. “Any attempt to infringe upon this right will provoke a significant backlash. If elections are not held promptly, the BJP-led government should brace for repercussions in the upcoming Assembly elections,” he cautioned.

At the end of the protest, demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister via the district commissioner of Dibrugarh, reiterating their demand for the swift conduct of elections for the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council.

The SKAC encompasses 32 constituencies across seven districts in Assam, with Dibrugarh district holding the largest number at 13 constituencies, including Rongchongi, Tengakhat, Kheremia, Kamargaon, Naharkatia, Khatuwa, Lepetkata, Mancotta, Kutuha, Khowang, Bamunbari, Tinthengia, and Chaharikota.

Established under the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Act of 2005, enacted by the Assam Legislative Assembly, the SKAC is headquartered at the Milan Nagar Officers’ Colony.