Assam Tribes Launch New Front to Protect Land and Political Rights

Guwahati: Tribal communities in Assam joined forces on October 8 in Dispur to form the United Tribal Coordination Front, Assam. They created this group to protect their land, culture, and political standing. The move follows long-standing grievances regarding the status of the state's original inhabitants.

Litsong Rongphar took the lead as Chief Convenor. Bonjit Manjil Basumatary, Biman Pratim Masreng, and Abinash Deori will serve as his deputies. Various other community representatives also secured positions as convenors to ensure a broad reach. The group serves as a single platform for the Sonowal, Karbi, Deuri, Mising, Dimasa, Singpho, Tai-Khamti, and Hajong communities. Leadership from the All Assam Tribal Students’ Union, All Tiwa Students’ Union, Rabha Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, and BONSU also joined the effort.

Rongphar slammed the government for ignoring their struggles. He claimed tribal people face an existential threat due to the loss of land and political influence. "Although tribal people have been living in Assam for ages, and this land is our home, although we have done everything for its existence and are the original inhabitants of this land, we have been deprived on all fronts," Rongphar said. He warned that the communities must unite immediately or risk losing their identity forever.

The organization plans to push back against official indifference. They intend to act as one to defend the Karbi, Bodo, Tiwa, and Rabha groups. This group will now force state leaders to address their specific educational and development needs.