DIBRUGARH (India): Hundreds of members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) staged a protest in Tinsukia in the Indian state of Assam this week, calling on the state and central governments to ensure the protection of land and political rights for indigenous communities in Assam. Demonstrators marched through the town, chanting slogans and carrying banners denouncing alleged land encroachment and the marginalization of native peoples. The protest concluded with the submission of a memorandum to local authorities, urging immediate action to stop illegal land transfers and evict encroachers.
AJYCP leaders highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of constitutional safeguards, particularly in Sixth Schedule areas such as Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Bodoland, where they claim non-tribal settlement and unauthorized land acquisition are threatening tribal autonomy. Activists warned that continued neglect could escalate tensions and fuel further unrest in the region.
The protest reflects ongoing concerns over identity, land rights, and political representation in Assam. Indigenous groups have long campaigned for legal protections, including scheduled tribe status for certain communities, restrictions on land ownership by non-tribal individuals, and safeguards for traditional resources. Recent demographic changes, illegal encroachments, and economic marginalization have intensified demands for stronger government intervention. Similar demonstrations in nearby districts have underscored widespread unease among tribal communities over the erosion of their cultural heritage and political influence.
Experts note that Assam has a history of ethnic and land-related agitations, with movements often focused on protecting the distinct identity and autonomy of tribal populations. AJYCP’s latest demonstration in Tinsukia is seen as part of a broader effort to bring attention to these longstanding issues and press authorities for concrete action.
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