Kalita Community Protests Against Assam Land Bill, Demands Inclusion
Protest Against Land Rights Legislation
Protestors of Kalita community at the road blockade in Nalbari
Nalbari, Sept 25: On Friday, three organizations representing the Kalita community conducted a protest and partially blocked a highway near the Madanpur toll gate. This demonstration was in response to the Assam Land and Revenue Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the community demanding that their concerns be acknowledged and the proposed legislation be reconsidered.
The protest was spearheaded by the Kalita Alpine Community Association, the Kalita Community Association, and the All Kalita Students’ Association.
These groups are advocating for the inclusion of the Kalita community in the indigenous ethnic communities section of the proposed legislation, questioning their exclusion from land rights provisions.
One protestor emphasized that the community should not have to provide proof of three generations to validate their rights, asserting that Kalitas have lived in Assam for generations.
Initially, the protesters intended to completely block the highway. However, after discussions on Thursday involving community representatives, Kamalpur MLA Diganta Kalita, and Kamrup district officials, the blockade was reduced. They were informed that the issue would be addressed with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Consequently, the organizations held a protest meeting and a partial road blockade on Friday.
Nevertheless, community leaders claimed that authorities obstructed buses transporting protesters from reaching the protest site. Reports indicated that six buses were halted at Mushalpur and 11 at Darrang, with some estimates suggesting around 50 buses were prevented from arriving.
During the gathering, Nayanmani Kalita, the general secretary of the Kalita Alpine Community, cautioned that the protests could escalate throughout Assam if the government does not address their concerns.
Kalita urged the government to clarify its stance on the Bill and to take action for its reconsideration before October 16.
He warned that if their demands are not met by the deadline, it could trigger a larger movement across the state.
The protest was attended by notable figures including Kalita community president Soneshwar Kalita, Kalita Students’ Association president Navjeet Barman, executive president Dr. Dipankar Kalita, and secretary Jitu Kalita.
Community representatives expressed their concerns regarding securing land rights and ensuring land protection for future generations. They voiced fears that exclusion from land-rights protections could complicate issues related to land purchase, ownership, transfer, and inheritance.
The organizations are calling for equal land rights protection for eligible communities that have historically resided in Assam and are advocating for necessary amendments to the proposed Bill.
Additionally, the protesters questioned the government's previous assurances regarding land rights.
“The CM promised us land rights; what happened? If we don’t see any action before October 16, we will escalate our protests,” stated one protester. The organizations indicated they would consider further actions if their demands remain unaddressed by the deadline.