Staff reporter
Guwahati: The All-Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU) on Wednesday staged a massive protest march from its central office in Jayanagar to Dispur and gheraoed Dispur in support of its demand for ST status to the Tai Ahom.
Over thousands of protesters from across the state participated in the march, waving community flags and chanting slogans that echoed throughout the city.
The All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, pressing for the immediate granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Tai Ahom community. Among other key demands, the union sought the establishment of an autonomous administrative structure or self-governance mechanism in Upper Assam, assurance of land rights to the khilonjia (indigenous) communities, and strict measures for the identification and eviction of suspected illegal immigrants from the state.
ATASU also reminded the government of the community's rich cultural heritage, maintained despite assimilation with other Tai groups like the Khamti, Phake, and Aiton. It emphasized the urgent need for constitutional protection to safeguard this distinct identity.
Also Read: ATASU burns effigy of MLA Alam over remarks against journalist
Also Watch: