Assam Tribal Council Protests Land Transfer to Corporates

Rapid Summary

• Protests in Diphu: Residents of Diphu, Karbi Anglong district (Assam), protested against the state government’s decision to allocate tribal land to large corporate houses.
• Sixth Schedule Protection: Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao are under the Sixth Schedule of India’s Constitution, safeguarding tribal rights.
• Leadership Criticism: protest leader Jones Ingti Kathar targeted Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the BJP-led Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council.
• Land Allocation Controversy: Gauhati High Court’s judge expressed concern over 3,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao being allotted to a Kolkata-based private firm.
• Political Allegations: Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi accused mr. Ronghang and BJP leadership of compromising tribal interests and collusion with corporations.A lavish house allegedly linked to Mr. Ronghang also sparked criticism.
• Tirap Tribal Belt Decision: Assam’s Cabinet approved extending protected class status to non-tribal groups for settlement in the Tirap Tribal Belt (Tinsukia district), causing backlash from indigenous communities who fear demographic shifts and potential marginalization.
• Shutdown Declaration: Tribal leaders declared a 24-hour shutdown on August 24 across Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts during Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests against corporate land allocation reflect broader concerns about maintaining tribal autonomy under Sixth Schedule provisions while balancing developmental priorities. The involvement of high-profile political figures underscores transparency challenges that could affect public trust in governance structures within marginalized regions like Karbi Anglong.

Additionally, extending protected class status to non-indigenous groups for settlement risks altering traditional demographic dynamics-a move likely viewed as counterproductive by existing tribes asserting their ancestral claims. Strikingly timed protests during official visits signal growing dissatisfaction with how decisions impacting local identities are managed, strengthening calls for equitable policy approaches sensitive to regional nuances.

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