A significant gathering of Adivasi and tea-garden workers filled Tinsukia, Assam, on October 8, turning the Hukan Pukhuri playground into a vibrant protest site. They demanded urgent rights, including Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, land pattas, and increased wages. This demonstration coincided with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaâs address to the public during a seed fund distribution event aimed at over 14,000 women entrepreneurs.
As they chanted slogans and waved placards, the protestors converged from three directions, uniting their voices in a powerful expression of long-standing frustrations and unmet promises. Their placards called for official recognition of the Adivasi and tea-garden communities, highlighting issues such as inadequate opportunities in education, employment, and social welfare. Many demonstrators also drew attention to the plight of landless families and called for immediate raises in the daily wages of tea workers.
In response to the charged atmosphere, Chief Minister Sarma acknowledged the legitimacy of the protestersâ concerns, stating, âThe protest is correct as their demands are genuine and for the welfare of the community. Even our party leaders will participate â the BJP supports their cause.â
He emphasized that his government is willing to engage in dialogue to seek long-term solutions to the challenges faced by the Adivasi community. âWe will ensure every deserving group in Assam gets their due rights and recognition,â he assured.
This large-scale demonstration in Tinsukia, one of the largest in recent history by the Adivasi and tea-garden communities, underscored escalating discontent regarding the slow progress on welfare reforms and the long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe status in Assam.
