The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has said that tribal communities across Assam are facing serious livelihood insecurity and growing economic hardship due to long-standing issues related to land and forest rights. The party said these concerns will be given priority in its manifesto for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026, expected to be held in March–April next year.
The observations were made in a detailed report prepared by the Congress Core Scheduled Tribe (ST) Study Group and submitted to APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, according to a party press release issued on Sunday.
The Study Group was headed by APCC general secretary Nirmal Langthasa and was formed after a consultative meeting held in November last year. The meeting involved leaders from Scheduled Tribe–majority Assembly constituencies such as Dimoria, Boko, Dudhnoi and Goalpara West. The purpose of the exercise, the party said, was to closely examine the problems, demands and aspirations of tribal communities and ensure their inclusion in the Congress’s election agenda.
As part of its work, the Study Group carried out field-level visits and interactions in these constituencies. It held meetings and discussions with tribal organisations, non-governmental groups and individual community representatives. Members of several tribal communities, including Rabha, Garo, Bodo, Hajong, Amri Karbi, Tiwa and Mising groups, shared their concerns during these consultations.
One of the most serious issues highlighted in the report was the alleged violation and alienation of tribal land and forest rights. The Study Group noted that land meant for tribal communities is often transferred to non-ST individuals, non-local settlers and outside business interests. According to the report, this has weakened traditional livelihoods such as farming, forest-based work and small-scale local occupations, pushing many families into economic uncertainty.
The report also pointed to problems of inadequate political representation for tribal communities. It said many tribal groups feel excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their land, culture and future. Along with this, the Study Group flagged concerns over cultural erosion and the gradual weakening of indigenous identity, particularly among younger generations.
During the consultations, tribal groups strongly demanded better protection of tribal land, belts and blocks. They also called for the speedy grant of land titles to genuine tribal forest dwellers. The Congress said strict enforcement of existing laws is necessary to stop further loss of tribal land and to restore confidence among affected communities.
Several other demands were also recorded in the report. These included the establishment of a tribal university in Assam to promote indigenous education, preserve culture and encourage research on tribal history and traditions. The Study Group also noted the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Amri Karbi community.
Another key issue raised was the inclusion of the remaining 312 Bodo revenue villages under the Boro Kachar Welfare Autonomous Council. Tribal representatives said this step is essential to ensure access to welfare schemes and proper administrative support. There was also a strong call for the creation of Development Councils for plains tribal communities that are currently outside any such institutional framework. According to the groups, these councils are needed for balanced development, focused welfare planning and stronger political voice.
The Congress said the findings of the report will play an important role in shaping its political strategy for the 2026 Assembly elections. The party described the document as the base for a “strong, inclusive and tribal-focused” manifesto.