Dibrugarh: A massive protest erupted at Chowkidinghee Chariali in Dibrugarh as more than two lakh people from Assam’s tea tribe and Adivasi communities took to the streets demanding Scheduled Tribe status, land rights, and better wages. The rally, organized by several community groups, marked one of the largest mobilizations in upper Assam in recent years.
Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, calling for the government to fulfill decades-old promises of constitutional recognition. They also demanded legal protection for their settlements and ownership of the land they have lived on for generations. The workers urged authorities to revise their daily wage structure, saying it has remained stagnant despite rising costs of living.
The large-scale demonstration brought daily life in Dibrugarh to a standstill. Schools and offices remained closed, and several tea estates suspended operations. Traffic was disrupted across key routes as workers marched in unison. Organizers declared the protest a warning to the state and central governments, setting an ultimatum for concrete action before the 2026 elections.
Leaders said the movement reflects deep frustration over years of neglect. Despite multiple assurances from successive governments, the demand for Scheduled Tribe status has remained unresolved. Protesters vowed to intensify their agitation if the government fails to act soon.
The Dibrugarh rally highlights the growing assertion among Assam’s marginalized tea and Adivasi communities seeking dignity, recognition, and rights over their ancestral lands.
