Kokrajhar, Nov 29: Unprecedented unrest swept through the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on Saturday as thousands of tribal students and Gen Z protesters stormed the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat in Kokrajhar, opposing the Assam government’s move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six additional communities.

What began as a massive rally from Bodoland University escalated rapidly when demonstrators breached security and allegedly vandalised sections of the BTC Secretariat, damaging furniture and office equipment. The protest—dominated by Bodo youth, the largest tribal group in Assam—accused the state government of “diluting indigenous rights” and threatening the political, educational, and economic safeguards currently enjoyed by recognised ST communities.

The opposition stems from the Assam cabinet’s proposal to grant ST status to the Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribe communities. Existing tribal groups, including the Bodos, argue that the move will significantly reduce their reservation benefits and representation, creating what they describe as “unprecedented demographic and political pressure.”

Massive security deployments have been made across Kokrajhar as tensions continue to rise. Police sources confirmed that reinforcements from neighbouring districts have been mobilised.

The protests also carry major political implications. BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary—who returned to power with an overwhelming mandate and reaffirmed his alliance with the NDA—is now facing serious backlash from groups that were once his strong supporters. Political observers say the situation could test his influence in the region in the coming weeks.

Saturday’s demonstrations saw participation not only from students but also from major tribal bodies, including the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam, Tribal Sangha, Boro Samaj, and Rabha and Garo student unions. With powerful organisations like the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) expected to join the agitation, the unrest is likely to intensify.

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