The All Assam Chutia Jati Sammelan (AACJS) has issued a strong warning to the Assam government and political parties, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition for the Chutia community ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The union has made it clear that continued neglect of their demand could lead to a large-scale political and social response.
Speaking exclusively to Northeast Scoop, Mohan Borah, President of the All Assam Chutia Students’ Union (AACSU), said that the demand is not new. It dates back to 2014 when the BJP government had promised to grant the Chutia community tribal status. “The Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma himself had assured us of ST recognition. But now, it seems he is backing off. Instead of taking action, the government is blaming the All Assam Tribal Sangha,” Borah said.
Mohan Borah added that earlier, the All Assam Tribal Sangha had been supportive of their demand. “Earlier, the Tribal Sangha was with us, but now things have changed. The Chief Minister quotes Aditya Khakhlari, Chief Coordinator at Tribal Organisations Coordination Committee, Assam, and General Secretary at All Assam Tribal Sangha. But the real question is: will the government act, or will it just keep passing the buck, like it did during the CAA movement?” Borah questioned. 
Borah emphasized that their demand is clear and has been part of election promises. “The government put it in its manifesto that we would be given ST status. If they fail to fulfill it, they will have to face the consequences in the 2026 elections. We want our ST status, no matter what,” he said.
The Sammelan said that their struggle for ST status dates back to 1979. “For over four decades, the Chutia community has been fighting for justice. We are not asking for ST recognition—we have always been ST by origin and history. The British administration had officially recognized us as a Scheduled Tribe in their records, but post-independence India has denied us that right. Enough is enough,” the leaders asserted.
The leaders also stressed the political stakes of ignoring their demand. “Before every election, governments make promises of democratization. We have been patient, but if the ST status is not granted before 2026, the BJP and other political parties will have to face the consequences. We want our rightful status, no matter what,” the Sammelan warned.
The All Assam Chutia Jati Sammelan has further indicated that they are ready to launch a large-scale movement if the government continues to ignore their demands. Leaders say the agitation will be peaceful but firm, and it will involve the entire Chutia community across Assam.
