Guwahati: Representatives of several tribal communities in Assam have come together to form a new umbrella organisation, the United Tribal Coordination Front, Assam (UTCFA), to collectively raise concerns over land rights, political representation, education, cultural identity and development.
The front was formed on October 8 at Dispur in Guwahati, with representatives from various tribal communities participating in the initiative.
Litsong Rongphar was appointed Chief Convenor of the organisation, while Bonjit Manjil Basumatary, Biman Pratim Masreng and Abinash Deori were appointed Deputy Chief Convenors. Representatives from other tribal communities were also appointed as convenors.
The formation of the UTCFA is expected to provide a common platform for tribal communities across Assam to raise their concerns and pursue a collective movement to safeguard their rights and interests.
Leaders of the All Assam Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU), All Tiwa Students’ Union, Rabha Students’ Union, Garo Students’ Union, BONSU, and representatives of the Sonowal, Karbi, Deuri, Mising, Dimasa, Singpho, Tai-Khamti and Hajong communities participated in the formation of the organisation.
Speaking about the need for a united platform, UTCFA Chief Convenor Litsong Rongphar alleged that tribal communities, despite being the original inhabitants of Assam, had faced deprivation in several spheres, including land ownership and political rights.
“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 said tribal communities were increasingly feeling insecure and facing what he described as an existential threat, alleging that they had lost land and the rights associated with it, along with political rights.
“Now it is time to work for the protection of our rights. If we do not act today and raise our voices together, if we tribal people do not unite, we will lose our existence forever here in Assam,” he said.
Rongphar also accused the government of being indifferent to the problems of tribal communities, alleging that their concerns were not receiving adequate attention and that sufficient efforts were not being made for their development.
Emphasising the need for collective action, he said the new organisation would work under a common umbrella to raise issues affecting tribal communities across the state.
“We will work under one umbrella, the United Tribal Coordination Front, Assam, for all tribal people, including the Karbi, Bodo, Tiwa and Rabha communities. We will raise their problems and speak up for them,” he said.
The front has positioned itself as a platform for coordinating the demands of different tribal communities, with a focus on protecting their land, identity, educational opportunities, political rights and cultural heritage.