MORAN, ASSAM - In a massive display of unity and determination, thousands of members from the Chutia community gathered in Moran on Tuesday, creating a sea of protesters demanding their long-pending recognition as a Scheduled Tribe.
The demonstration, described as one of the largest in recent times, saw participants from across Assam converging at Moran town, holding placards and chanting slogans that echoed their decades-long struggle for constitutional safeguards.
Why This Protest Matters Now
Community leaders emphasized that the timing of this massive protest is crucial, coming amid ongoing political discussions about tribal recognition in Assam. "We have been waiting for justice for generations," stated one elderly participant. "Our children deserve the educational and employment benefits that ST status would provide."
Key Demands Highlighted
- Immediate inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list
- Constitutional protections for the community
- Access to reservation benefits in education and employment
- Preservation of Chutia cultural heritage
Historical Context of the Struggle
The Chutia community, with a rich historical legacy in Assam, has been fighting for ST status since the early 2000s. Despite several assurances from successive governments, the community claims their demands have remained unfulfilled, leading to growing frustration among younger generations.
Local authorities reported that the protest remained peaceful throughout, with adequate security arrangements in place. Traffic diversions were implemented around Moran town to manage the large gathering without disrupting essential services.
What's Next for the Movement?
Community leaders have warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they will intensify their agitation across the state. "This is just the beginning," declared a prominent Chutia organization representative. "We are prepared for a prolonged struggle until our constitutional rights are recognized."
The protest in Moran represents a significant moment in Assam's ongoing discourse about tribal recognition and the complex tapestry of ethnic identities in Northeast India.
