Guwahati: Janagostiya Mahasabha, Assam—an umbrella body representing six indigenous communities—on Thursday reiterated its long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, urging the Centre to ensure inclusion through a constitutional amendment before the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
The demand was raised at a round-table discussion held in Guwahati by representatives of the Asam Moran Sabha, All Assam Matak Sabha, Sadou Asam Ahom Sabha, Koch-Rajbongshi Sanmilani, Chutiya Sanmilani, the All Adivasi Organisations Forum of Assam, and the Moran Students’ Union.
The Mahasabha said its core demand is the passage of The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill in Parliament to include the six communities in the ST list. It added that if Parliament is unable to pass the legislation in time, the President should promulgate an ordinance to address the issue.
The organisation also sought a clear stand from the Assam government, demanding that the Chief Minister meet the Mahasabha within seven days to clarify the state’s position on the ST-status demand.
Further, the Mahasabha called for a tripartite meeting involving the Union Home Minister, the Assam Chief Minister, and the Coordination Committee of Janagostiya Mahasabha, Assam.
It said such a meeting is necessary to place on record the historical background of the demand and to underline the urgency of safeguarding the socio-cultural, political, economic and land rights of the six indigenous communities.
Leaders from various constituent organisations were present at the discussion and jointly endorsed the demands, stating that continued delay on the issue has deepened uncertainty and insecurity among the communities concerned.