In August 2024, Dibrugarh, Assam witnessed a large-scale protest led by various Mottock organizations demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for their community. The Mottock, an indigenous ethnic group in Assam, has long been advocating for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, a status that would afford them certain constitutional safeguards, reservations in jobs and education, and protections to preserve their cultural heritage. This latest protest reflects the growing frustration among the Mottock community, which feels overlooked in the state’s socio-political landscape.
The protest, which saw thousands of people gather in Dibrugarh, highlighted the Mottock community’s concerns over their declining socio-economic condition. The Mottocks have a long history in Assam, with roots tracing back to the Ahom era. Known for their distinct cultural identity and traditions, the community has been seeking ST status for decades, believing that this recognition is crucial for their survival in modern times. Many within the community argue that the lack of ST status has left them marginalized, especially when compared to other tribal groups in the state that benefit from government schemes and reservations.
One of the core demands of the protest was the fast-tracking of the ST status proposal, which has been pending for years. Successive governments, both at the state and central levels, have promised to address the issue but have failed to deliver concrete results. The Mottock organizations argue that the delay is unjustified, given that other communities in Assam, some with smaller populations and less cultural distinctiveness, have been granted ST status. The protesters in Dibrugarh emphasized that their demand is not just about access to government benefits but also about safeguarding their cultural and linguistic identity, which they fear is being eroded due to a lack of recognition and support.
The Mottocks point to their declining economic conditions as one of the primary reasons for seeking ST status. Once a prosperous community engaged in agriculture and small-scale industries, many Mottock families now face economic hardships, compounded by limited access to jobs and educational opportunities. The ST status, they argue, would provide them with reservations in government jobs and educational institutions, which would help uplift the community. Many youth leaders from the Mottock organizations also raised concerns about unemployment, stating that young people from their community are being left behind due to the absence of such affirmative action policies.
The demand for ST status is not new in Assam. Several other ethnic groups in the state, such as the Tai Ahoms and Chutias, have also been pushing for similar recognition. However, the state government has often cited administrative and logistical challenges, as well as concerns over potential demographic imbalances, as reasons for delaying the inclusion of these communities in the ST category. For the Mottock community, these reasons have increasingly felt like excuses to stall their legitimate demand. Many protesters expressed disappointment with the Assam government, accusing it of using the issue as a political tool during elections but failing to act decisively once in power.
The protest in Dibrugarh was largely peaceful, but it conveyed the deep-seated anger and dissatisfaction among the Mottocks. Protest leaders warned that if their demands were not met soon, they would intensify their agitation, potentially leading to statewide protests. They also called on the central government to intervene, arguing that the Mottocks’ case for ST status is both just and necessary. The leaders emphasized that the delay in granting them ST status is contributing to social unrest and feelings of alienation among the community, which could have long-term negative consequences for the state’s stability.
The Assam government, in response to the protest, has reiterated its commitment to addressing the demands of various communities seeking ST status, including the Mottocks. However, the state government has also urged patience, citing the complex nature of such decisions, which involve both state and central approval. While the government has promised to take the necessary steps to ensure the inclusion of eligible communities in the ST list, it has stopped short of providing a specific timeline, further frustrating the Mottocks and their supporters.
The demand for ST status by the Mottocks is emblematic of the larger identity-based politics in Assam. As various ethnic groups vie for recognition and resources, the state finds itself in a delicate balancing act. Granting ST status to one community often raises questions about how it might impact other groups, creating tensions over resources and political representation. For the Mottocks, however, this issue is about justice and survival. Without ST status, they believe they will continue to lag behind other communities in terms of socio-economic development, and their unique cultural identity may be at risk.
As the protests in Dibrugarh suggest, the Mottock community is determined to continue its fight for recognition. Whether the Assam government and the central authorities will respond to their demands remains to be seen, but the Mottocks have made it clear that they will not remain silent in their pursuit of justice and equality.
