Koch-Rajbongshi Leaders Halt Rail Blockade Amid Government Promises

Temporary Suspension of Rail Blockade

Kokrajhar, Dec 16: On Tuesday, prominent leaders from various Koch-Rajbongshi organizations decided to pause their rail blockade after receiving assurances from the government that discussions would commence within a week, despite unresolved core issues.

The blockade was lifted following communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which indicated that formal talks regarding their demands would start within seven days.

Baniram Barman, the district president of the Kamatapur State Demand Council, expressed caution, stating, “The government has extended an invitation for discussions within a week. If this proves to be misleading and talks do not occur, we will resume our agitation, potentially escalating its intensity.”

Community leaders emphasized that their main goal is to achieve dialogue and a lasting peace agreement, but they warned that failure to meet the government's promise would lead to renewed protests.

Earlier, the rail blockade was organized by multiple community groups, including the KSDC, the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), UG AKRSU, KPPU, GCPA, and others, who obstructed rail lines at the Puthiyagoun playground.

During a press conference, Barman reiterated the longstanding demands of the movement, which include granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Koch-Rajbongshi community, establishing a separate Kamatapur state, recognizing the Koch Rajbongshi language (Kamatapuri) constitutionally, and reaching a swift peace agreement with the KLO and KLO (KN).

“We demand the establishment of a separate Kamatapur state along with ST status for the Koch Rajbongshi community. Additionally, recognition of Kamatapuri, our language, is essential,” Barman stated.

This latest protest highlights the long-standing grievances of the community. Previously, on November 21, thousands of Koch Rajbongshi activists held a significant protest in Kokrajhar, advocating for a separate Kamatapur state, ST status, and constitutional protections, showcasing the depth and persistence of their demands.

The Koch Rajbongshi community is one of five groups, alongside the Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Tea community (Adivasi), and Chutia, that have been advocating for Scheduled Tribe status and have organized numerous demonstrations across the state in recent months.