Thousands of members of Assam’s Chutia community took to the streets of Dhemaji on Wednesday evening, carrying burning torches and shouting slogans to demand their long-pending inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The protest, marked by fiery determination and a sea of flickering lights, turned Dhemaji town into the epicentre of the community’s decades-long struggle for recognition. The demonstrators, who arrived from various parts of Upper Assam, began their march from multiple points before converging in the heart of the town. The air echoed with chants of “No ST, No Rest”, as participants expressed frustration over the government’s inaction despite repeated promises made over the years. The torchlight procession was jointly organised by five prominent Chutia organisations — the Chutia Yuva Sanmilan, Chutia Yuva Parishad, Chutia Jati Sanmilan, Chutia Jati Mahila Sanmilan, and Chutia Jati Chatra Sangstha. The rally witnessed participation from people of all age groups, symbolising the collective spirit and unity of the community in its pursuit of constitutional recognition.
Speaking at the gathering, Pinku Chutia, president of the Chutia Yuva Sanmilan, Dhemaji district, reiterated that the community’s demand dates back to 1979. “The Chutia community fulfils all the criteria required for ST recognition. We have a distinct culture, food habits, traditional attire, and language — everything that defines a tribal identity. Yet, we continue to be ignored,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd. He also pointed out that members of the Chutia community are spread across Assam, including the Barak Valley, contributing significantly to the state’s socio-cultural fabric. “We are not seeking charity but justice,” he added. The demand for ST status by the Chutias is part of a broader movement involving six major communities of Assam — Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tai-Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes — all of whom have been campaigning for tribal status for decades. Successive governments have made promises, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced that the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on granting ST status to these six communities would be tabled in the upcoming winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on November 25. The statement has revived hope among many, but skepticism remains high within the agitating groups, given the long history of delays and political assurances.