The Upper-Middle Unit of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) on Monday raised strong objections to the way the Assam government is handling the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in the state. The union held a press conference where it expressed concern that the government’s approach could create new divisions within the Koch-Rajbongshi community instead of solving long-standing issues.
Speaking to reporters, AKRSU Central Secretary Shankar Dutta said the government’s idea of granting ST status only to certain sub-groups in the valley was unfair and unacceptable. He said all Koch-Rajbongshi people across Assam share the same history and identity, and they deserve equal recognition from the government. “All Koch-Rajbongshi communities across Assam must receive equal recognition,” he said, adding that the current proposal does not reflect justice.
Dutta also criticised the report submitted by the Group of Ministers (GoM), calling it “just a lollipop” meant to calm public anger without offering a real solution. He alleged that such a division-based policy could create unnecessary tension and conflict among the communities. According to him, instead of uniting people under one policy, the government is adopting a model that separates and weakens them. 
The union also questioned why the issue of tribal recognition was not taken up seriously during the Winter Session of the Assembly. Dutta said it was unclear why the matter was pushed to the last day, on November 29, when it should have been one of the most important topics for discussion. He said that while the Chief Minister talks openly about regular welfare schemes, a sensitive issue like ST recognition was handled in a rushed and incomplete manner.
AKRSU said it was not satisfied with the GoM report and would continue to raise the issue during the upcoming Assembly elections. The organisation said it will press for equal and fair treatment of all Koch-Rajbongshi communities and ensure that their demand for ST status receives proper attention from the government.
