 led a massive torch rally in Dibrugarh demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.){kind=link}
A sea of flaming torches illuminated the streets of Dibrugarh on Saturday evening, November 1. As members of the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Assam (TAYPA) staged a massive torchlight rally demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Tai Ahom community.
Chanting slogans of “No ST, No Vote”, the demonstrators marched through key areas of the city vowing to intensify their movement if the government fails to fulfill their long-pending demand.
The rally, attended by thousands of youth, elders, and community leaders, marks one of the largest public mobilizations by the Tai Ahom body in recent years.
TAYPA leaders said the torch rally symbolizes the “burning spirit” of the Tai Ahom people, who have been waiting for decades for constitutional recognition and political justice.
Decades-Long Struggle for Recognition
The demand for ST status for Tai Ahoms has been a pressing issue in Assam’s political and cultural landscape for decades. Despite repeated assurances from successive governments, the demand has yet to translate into policy action.
The Tai Ahoms, who trace their lineage to the great Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for over 600 years, have long argued that their community faces cultural marginalization and economic neglect due to the absence of ST recognition.
According to community leaders, the inclusion in the ST list would ensure better access to education, employment opportunities, and political representation, all of which remain limited under the current framework.
They also claim that granting ST status is not merely a welfare issue but a constitutional obligation to preserve the indigenous heritage and socio-cultural identity of Assam.
“No ST, No Vote” – A Strong Political Message
The slogan “No ST, No Vote” dominated the rally, signaling a clear warning to political parties ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
Speakers at the event said that the community will not support any party that fails to take a concrete stance on the issue.
TAYPA President in his address declared that the rally was not just a protest but a political statement a call for accountability from those in power.
He added that while promises have been made repeatedly during election campaigns, the Tai Ahom community continues to face bureaucratic delays and policy neglect.
By launching the campaign months before the polls, the Tai Ahom body aims to make the ST demand a central election issue across Upper Assam, where the community holds significant influence.
Calls for Autonomous Governance
Beyond ST status, the rally also emphasized the demand for autonomous governance for the Tai Ahom community.
Speakers argued that self-governance within a constitutional framework would empower the community to protect its culture, language, and traditional institutions.
The proposal seeks to create a dedicated Tai Ahom Autonomous Council that would oversee education, culture, and resource management in regions with significant Tai Ahom populations.
Community representatives said that this structure would mirror existing autonomous bodies in Assam, ensuring fair development and local empowerment.
Strong Turnout Reflects Growing Frustration
The massive turnout in Dibrugarh reflected growing frustration among the Tai Ahom youth, who say they have been ignored despite contributing significantly to Assam’s social and economic life.
Many participants carried placards demanding justice and accountability. Some chanted slogans highlighting broken promises from both state and central governments.
The rally drew participants from several districts including Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat, showcasing the unity and determination of the Tai Ahom population.
Observers noted that this movement could reshape the political landscape in Upper Assam, as the Tai Ahoms form a crucial electoral demographic.
Government Response and Political Implications
While the state government has in the past expressed support for granting ST status to six ethnic communities, including the Tai Ahoms, the matter remains pending at the central level.
Assam’s political leaders have previously cited administrative challenges and constitutional procedures as reasons for the delay.
However, with the renewed push from organizations like TAYPA, the issue is expected to return to the forefront of Assam’s political discourse.
Political analysts believe the slogan “No ST, No Vote” could significantly influence campaign narratives, especially in districts where the Tai Ahoms hold sway.
If the government fails to address the community’s concerns before the elections, it risks alienating a major segment of voters.
Cultural Identity and the Road Ahead
The torch rally was not only a political demonstration but also a display of cultural pride. Traditional drums, ethnic attire, and chants invoking Ahom heritage filled the streets, reminding onlookers of the community’s rich history and resilience.
TAYPA leaders concluded the rally with a pledge to continue peaceful and democratic protests until their demands are met.
They reiterated that the community is not seeking privileges but justice a rightful place in the nation’s constitutional framework.
As the flames of the torches dimmed late in the night, one thing was clear the Tai Ahom movement has reignited across Assam. The call for ST status has once again become a rallying cry for identity, dignity, and recognition.