Tensions Escalate Over ST Status Dispute in Assam's Bodoland
Conflict Over Scheduled Tribe Status Intensifies
Kokrajhar, Dec 2: The ongoing contention regarding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in Assam has heightened tensions within the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), exacerbating the divide between BTC leader Hagrama Mohilary and the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU).
The recent exchange of accusations follows an incident on November 29, when protests against the alleged dilution of tribal rights led to vandalism at the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar.
In the aftermath, BTC Chief Executive Member Mohilary accused ABSU of orchestrating the unrest and announced plans to form a commission to investigate the incident.
During a press conference in Dalbari, Baksa, Mohilary asserted that the vandalism was premeditated. He stated, “This was a planned act involving ABSU and UPPL. An inquiry will be initiated to uncover the instigators and the planning behind it.”
He further remarked, “The law will determine who gets arrested. We have no influence over that. ABSU is now on the defensive. I won’t elaborate, but the public will soon learn about the orchestrated drama.”
In a strong rebuttal, ABSU president Dipen Boro labeled Mohilary’s claims as “unfortunate” during a press briefing at Bodofa House, Bagansali, Kokrajhar. He stated, “We categorically condemn the BTC chief’s accusations against ABSU. We do not aim to disrupt peaceful demonstrations. Those blaming us for the BTC Secretariat incident should first clarify the BTC government and BPF party's stance on the matter.”
Boro also expressed concerns regarding the Group of Ministers’ report on granting ST status to six communities, which they believe jeopardizes existing tribal rights. “ABSU has voiced its dissatisfaction with the GoM report and has been invited for further discussions on December 4,” he added.
He concluded by stating that if any evidence is found against the student organization, he would resign and turn himself in. On November 29, a large group of students from Bodoland University and surrounding colleges stormed the BTC Secretariat during a rally opposing the perceived dilution of ST status following the GoM report.
Despite police presence, the crowd breached the gates, entered the premises, and caused damage, leading the district administration to impose restrictions. According to ABSU, its leadership was engaged in a meeting with 25 organizations at their Kokrajhar office when they learned of the students’ mobilization just an hour prior to the incident.