Rabha Community Protests for Sixth Schedule Inclusion in New Delhi

In a spirited demonstration at Jantar Mantar, the Rabha community, represented by various organizations, demanded the inclusion of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The protest highlighted the community's long-standing struggle for autonomy and the urgent need for constitutional recognition. Leaders from different communities joined the protest, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their identity and rights. Despite previous assurances from the government, the community remains vigilant, pledging to continue their protests until their demands are met. This ongoing struggle reflects the broader issues of indigenous rights and representation in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2026, 11:45 IST

Demonstration at Jantar Mantar

Rabha groups protesting in Jantar Mantar (Photo: AT)

Boko, Aug 11: A vibrant protest unfolded at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, organized by the All Rabha Students’ Union, Rabha Mahila Parishad, and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee, in collaboration with the Rabha Hasong Joint Struggle Committee.

The groups collectively called for the inclusion of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Key demands from the protest, which took place on Monday, included the immediate incorporation of the RHAC area into the Sixth Schedule and the prompt appointment of interlocutors, as agreed upon during a tripartite meeting in New Delhi on December 25, 2025.

The Rabha organizations also presented a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, outlining the community's long-standing quest for autonomy, referencing the movements from 1993 and the 1995 Rabha Accord. The RHAC encompasses 779 revenue villages across Goalpara and Kamrup districts, aimed at preserving the language, culture, and socio-economic progress of the tribal community.

Despite conducting its inaugural council elections in 2013, the RHAC's lack of constitutional recognition has hindered its administrative and financial authority. The memorandum highlighted that demographic changes and migration since pre-independence have endangered the community's indigenous identity.

The protesting groups pointed out that in February 2024, the Assam government had pledged constitutional recognition for the Rabha, Mising, and Tiwa autonomous councils. They urged the central government to accelerate this process, expressing concern that Home Minister Amit Shah's commitment during the December 2025 meeting to appoint a mediator by January 2026 has yet to be realized.

Nonetheless, the Rabha organizations remain hopeful that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will safeguard the interests of the tribal community in the RHAC regions.

Tankeswar Rabha, the chief executive member of the RHAC and MLA from the Dudhnoi Assembly Constituency, emphasized that for Assam to be free from illegal immigrants, the RHAC area must be included in the Sixth Schedule.

He remarked that Goalpara and surrounding areas have become a gateway for illegal immigrants entering Assam from neighboring Bangladesh, posing threats to the indigenous tribal and local populations.

During the tripartite meeting involving RHAC leaders, the Assam government, and the central government, it was assured that a mediator would be appointed to commence the process of including the Sixth Schedule.

However, nearly seven months have elapsed without any significant progress. Rabha announced that protests will continue at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar every three months until the RHAC area is recognized under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, a leader from the Kalita community expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “We have listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat a lot; now listen to our voice.” He called on the government to promptly include the RHAC area under the Sixth Schedule to protect the community, land, and identity (Jati, Mati, Bheti).

The protest saw participation from leaders of various groups and communities, including Rabha, Bodo, Garo, Hajong, Tea Tribes, Gorkha, and Kalita communities. Notable attendees included All Rabha Students’ Union president Motilal Rabha, general secretary Dr. Subhash Rabha, Boko-Chaygaon MLA Raju Mech, Dudhnoi MLA Tankeswar Rabha, and West Goalpara MLA Pabitra Rabha.