Gorkha community welcomes grant of reserved status in Tirap tribal belt

A CORRESPONDENT

ORANG: In a historic move aimed at addressing long standing demands, the Assam Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma approved a proposal to grant special reserved category status to six indigenous communities including the Gorkhas under Chapter X of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, 1886, specifically in the Tirap tribal belt of Tinsukia district.

This major policy decision will now include the Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Tea Tribes, and Gorkha communities as protected groups eligible for land rights in the areas, ensuring their constitutional and land ownership entitlements.

The All Assam Gorkha Sammelan (Central Committee) expressed heartfelt gratitude and extended warm felicitations to Chief Minister Dr Sarma for this landmark step. In a press release issued by the organization’s Central general secretary, Laxmi Chhetri, the Sammelan acknowledged the relentless efforts made over the years to secure land rights for the Gorkhas living in the Tirap region, who he said had long been denied their due.

The statement further highlighted the crucial and commendable roles played by the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union and the Assam Nepali Xahitya Xabha in advocating for the rights of the Gorkha people.

The Gorkha Sammelan expressed deep appreciation for the Assam Government’s continued efforts in resolving not only land-related issues but also other pressing concerns of the Gorkha community in recent years. The organization thanked Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister for Tribal Affairs Dr Ranoj Pegu, and the entire Council of Ministers for their collective support.

Looking ahead, the Gorkha Sammelan voiced optimism that other critical matters such as education and cultural preservation, already discussed with the government, would also be resolved swiftly and effectively.

Also Read: Gorkhas are an integral part of greater Assamese community: CM Himanta

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