Tiwa Community to Launch New Political Party Amidst Longstanding Grievances
Formation of a New Political Entity
An image of the administrative building of Tiwa Autonomous Council (Photo: @ranojpeguassam / X)
Morigaon, Oct 25: In a significant move reflecting their dissatisfaction with ongoing neglect from both ruling and opposition parties, the Tiwa community in central Assam has decided to establish a new regional political party on November 10.
This pivotal resolution was made during a large Tiwa national convention held on Saturday in Morigaon, organized collaboratively by five leading organizations: the All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU), All Tiwa Women’s Association (ATWA), Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council, Tiwa Cultural Society, and Sammilita Gana Manch, Assam. Representatives from all 36 constituencies of the Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC) participated in this event.
The five Tiwa organizations have planned a political convention at the Morigaon District Library auditorium on November 10 to officially launch the new party. They also intend to participate in the upcoming Tiwa Autonomous Council elections using their own election symbol, distancing themselves from national and other regional parties.
During the convention, five key resolutions were adopted, including a demand for a comprehensive electoral roll that encompasses all 113 Tiwa revenue villages for the upcoming elections. The community leaders also called for unity among divided factions and expressed appreciation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for appointing retired IPS officer Dr. Lajja Ram Bishnoi as an interlocutor regarding Sixth Schedule status for the Tiwa, Rabha, and Mising communities.
While addressing the attendees, the current Chief Executive Member (CEM) of TAC, Jibon Chandra Konwar, along with other leaders, criticized the State government for treating the autonomous council as a “mere puppet” and expressed disappointment over the council's stagnation, despite having a representative from the community in the ruling BJP-led government.
The session was co-chaired by ATSU president Prashanta Masrang, Tiwa Youth-Students’ Council president Krishna Konwar, and ATWA vice-president Archana Konwar. It featured proceedings led by ATSU adviser Deepak Amsong, an inaugural address by chief adviser Rimal Amsi, and tributes to community forefather Indersing Deuri and Jongal Balahua, a legendary warrior symbolizing the courage and valor of the Tiwa people.
Lamps were lit by Narayan Kumar Radukakati, the founding Chief Executive Member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council, and Subhen Chandra Bordoloi, the founding general secretary of the Tiwa Cultural Society, marking the significance of the event.