Tensions ran high in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on Wednesday following a major decision by the Assam Cabinet. The state government approved a report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities. The move triggered immediate concern and anger among the 14 existing tribal communities, who fear that their rights, identity, and political safeguards may be weakened.
In response, members of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), working under the ABSU Coordination Committee, along with the Tribal Organisation of Assam and other allied tribal bodies, staged a large torch rally in Kokrajhar city in the evening. More than a thousand people participated in the protest, carrying flaming torches, raising slogans against the government and the decision on tribal policy, and expressing their dissatisfaction over being ignored in the decision-making process.
The rally started from Bodofa Children’s Park and moved through JD Road before ending at Kokrajhar HS & MV Playground. The procession lit up the streets and drew attention from local residents and security personnel. Organisers emphasized that the tribal communities will continue to oppose the Cabinet’s recommendation unless the proposal is withdrawn. 
Tribal leaders said that granting ST status to the six communities without securing constitutional protections for existing Scheduled Tribes could seriously affect their social and political rights. Khwrwmdao Wary, Vice President of ABSU, stated that the communities are prepared to escalate their protests if the government does not reconsider the decision.
