Thousands of indigenous people took to the streets of Mushalpur in Baksa district on Wednesday, demanding recognition as Scheduled Tribes. The protest, described by participants as the “People’s Roar” or “Gana Hungkar,” brought together various tribal groups and student unions under a single banner, emphasizing their long-standing demands for rights, recognition, and better livelihoods.
The protest was organized jointly by the All Assam Adivasi Students’ Union (AASA), Tea Tribal Students’ Union (ATCSA) of Tamulpur, Baksa, the Assam Tea Workers’ Union, Tea Garden Primary Groups, Udalguri Youth Students’ Council, and the All Assam Adivasi Women Students’ Union (AABSA). The participants marched from Bathouguar in Baksa district to the Mushalpur Durga Temple playground, chanting slogans and raising their voices for justice.
“No ST, No Rest. The Adivasis are awake. We want Land Patta. BJP Go Back,” echoed across the streets, highlighting the community’s frustration with the current political scenario. In addition to demanding Scheduled Tribe recognition, the protesters also called for increased land patta allocation and a rise in daily wages for tea workers to ₹551 per day, reflecting their urgent need for economic security and social justice. 
Tribal leaders at the gathering warned that if their demands were not addressed before the upcoming elections, the ruling BJP could face serious repercussions in the 2026 polls. “Our voices cannot be ignored any longer. We are united, and we will hold those in power accountable,” said one of the leaders addressing the crowd.
