Assam’s lifeline: The essence of Clause VI

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

(himangshur1989@gmail.com)

Assam, a state rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, has long been a land  of contrasts. Its history is marked by waves of migration, cultural assimilation, and struggles for identity. At the heart of Assam’s quest to preserve its unique identity lies Clause Six of the Assam Accord, a provision that symbolises hope and resilience for the Assamese people. This write-up explores the essence of Clause Six, its historical roots, significance, and the challenges surrounding its implementation. The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a defining moment in the state’s history. It was a mass uprising led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) against the influx of illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh. The movement was driven by the fear that unchecked migration was altering Assam’s demographic fabric, threatening the cultural and linguistic identity of its indigenous population. After years of protests and negotiations, the Assam Accord was signed on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India, the Assam government, and the leaders of the Assam Movement. The Accord aimed to address the concerns of the indigenous population by detecting and deporting illegal immigrants and safeguarding their rights. Clause Six of the Accord emerged as a critical provision, promising constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the Assamese people’s cultural, social, and linguistic identity.

Clause Six states, “Constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve, and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.”

This clause is not just a legal provision; it is a lifeline for the Assamese community, a promise to ensure that their identity remains intact in the face of demographic and cultural challenges. Assam’s demographic composition is complex, with numerous indigenous communities, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. The Assamese language, while widely spoken, is not the mother tongue of all residents, making the preservation of linguistic identity a delicate issue. Clause Six seeks to address these complexities by providing a framework for safeguarding the rights of the indigenous population.

Despite its significance, Clause Six remained largely unimplemented for decades after the signing of the Assam Accord. The delay in its implementation became a source of frustration and disillusionment for the people of Assam. Various committees were formed over the years to define the “Assamese people” and recommend measures for safeguarding their rights, but none of their reports were acted upon. The issue gained renewed attention in 2019, following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which sparked widespread protests across Assam. The CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, was seen as a direct threat to the Assamese identity, as it could lead to further demographic changes in the state. In response to the protests, the Government of India constituted a high-level committee in 2020 to recommend measures for the implementation of Clause Six. The committee, headed by Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma, submitted its report in February 2020, proposing a range of measures to protect the rights of the Assamese people. These included reservations in legislative assemblies and local bodies, land rights, and cultural and linguistic safeguards. However, as of 2025, the recommendations of the committee have yet to be fully implemented, leaving the future of Clause Six in a state of uncertainty.

Clause Six is more than just a legal provision; it is a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Assam. It represents their collective aspiration to preserve their identity in the face of external pressures and internal challenges. The clause acknowledges the historical injustices faced by the Assamese people and seeks to rectify them through constitutional and legislative measures. One of the key aspects of Clause Six is its focus on cultural and linguistic preservation. Assam is home to a rich tapestry of languages, including Assamese, Bodo, Mising, Karbi, and others. The clause aims to ensure that these languages are not overshadowed by dominant languages and that the cultural heritage of the state is protected for future generations. Another critical aspect of Clause Six is its emphasis on political representation. The clause seeks to ensure that the indigenous population has a fair share of political power, both at the state and local levels. This is particularly important in a state like Assam, where demographic changes have often led to concerns about the marginalisation of indigenous communities. The implementation of Clause Six is not without its challenges. One of the most contentious issues is the definition of the “Assamese people.” The term is often interpreted in different ways, with some arguing that it should include all indigenous communities of Assam, while others believe it should be limited to those who speak Assamese as their first language. This ambiguity has made it difficult to formulate policies that are inclusive and equitable. Another challenge is the balancing act between protecting the rights of the indigenous population and ensuring the rights of other communities. Assam is a diverse state, and any measure to safeguard the interests of one group must not come at the expense of another. This requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of the state’s demographic and cultural landscape. The delay in the implementation of Clause Six has also led to growing frustration among the people of Assam. Many feel that the promises made in the Assam Accord have been repeatedly broken, leading to a sense of betrayal. The lack of political will to address these issues has further exacerbated the situation, creating a trust deficit between the people and the government.

In conclusion, Clause Six of the Assam Accord is a vital provision that holds the key to preserving the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. It is a testament to their resilience and determination to protect their heritage in the face of challenges. However, the delays in its implementation and the lack of clarity on key issues have left the future of Clause Six uncertain. For the people of Assam, Clause Six is not just a legal provision; it is a lifeline, a promise that must be fulfilled to ensure the survival of their identity and heritage. The time has come for the government to take concrete steps to implement Clause Six and address the long-standing grievances of the Assamese people. Only then can Assam truly move forward as a land of unity in diversity, where the rights and identities of all communities are respected and protected.