Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a high-level inquiry into the recent police action against members of the Koch Rajbongshi community during a protest demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and constitutional recognition. The directive came after videos of baton charges and detentions during a peaceful rally in Dhubri district went viral, triggering widespread condemnation from civil society groups, opposition leaders, and rights activists.
The Koch Rajbongshi community, which has long been demanding ST status and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, organized a protest march on September 10, 2025, under the banner of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU). The protest turned tense when police attempted to disperse the crowd near the district headquarters, leading to clashes and injuries among demonstrators.
“I have directed the Home Department to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. We must ensure that the rights of every community are respected and protected,” CM Sarma said in a statement issued late Thursday evening.
🧭 Timeline of Events Leading to the Inquiry
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 10, 2025 | Koch Rajbongshi protest held in Dhubri | Demands for ST status and Sixth Schedule |
| Sept 10, 2025 | Police baton charge and detentions reported | Videos go viral, public outrage builds |
| Sept 11, 2025 | AKRSU condemns police action, calls for judicial probe | Opposition leaders join chorus |
| Sept 12, 2025 | CM Sarma orders inquiry into police conduct | Home Department tasked with investigation |
The inquiry will be led by a senior IAS officer and is expected to submit its findings within 15 days.
🔍 Key Demands of Koch Rajbongshi Protesters
| Demand | Description | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribe Status | Inclusion in ST list for socio-economic upliftment | Pending since 1967 |
| Sixth Schedule Inclusion | Autonomy under tribal governance framework | Demanded for districts with Koch majority |
| Cultural Recognition | Protection of language, heritage, and identity | Linked to Assam Accord and Bodo movement |
| Land Rights and Employment | Reservation in government jobs and land ownership | Seen as critical for youth empowerment |
The Koch Rajbongshi community is spread across lower Assam, West Bengal, and parts of Bihar, with a population exceeding 30 lakh.
📉 Political Reactions and Fallout
| Stakeholder | Reaction / Statement |
|---|---|
| AKRSU | Called police action “brutal and undemocratic” |
| Congress | Demanded judicial probe and CM’s apology |
| AIUDF | Accused government of suppressing tribal voices |
| Civil Society | Urged NHRC to intervene |
| Assam Police | Maintains action was necessary to control crowd |
The incident has reignited debates over tribal recognition and the treatment of indigenous communities in Assam.
🔥 Why the Koch Rajbongshi Issue Matters
- Historical Marginalization: Despite repeated assurances, the community remains outside the ST list, affecting access to education, jobs, and welfare schemes.
- Political Sensitivity: The demand intersects with other tribal claims, including those of the Bodos and Rabhas, making it a delicate balancing act for the government.
- Electoral Implications: With Assembly elections due in 2026, the issue could influence voting patterns in lower Assam.
- Human Rights Concerns: The police action has raised questions about the state’s approach to peaceful protests and minority rights.
Activists argue that the Koch Rajbongshi issue deserves urgent resolution through legislative and administrative channels.
🧠 Expert Commentary on the Incident
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Tribal Rights Advocate | “The Koch Rajbongshi demand is legitimate and long overdue.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Political Analyst | “The police action could backfire politically if not addressed swiftly.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Northeast Movements | “This community’s struggle mirrors many others in India’s tribal belt.” |
Experts agree that the inquiry must be transparent and followed by policy-level engagement.
📦 Koch Rajbongshi Community Snapshot
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Population | Over 30 lakh across Assam and Bengal |
| Primary Occupation | Agriculture, small trade |
| Literacy Rate | Below state average |
| Tribal Status | Not recognized under ST list |
| Political Representation | Limited presence in Assembly and local bodies |
The community has been organizing protests, rallies, and memorandums for decades without resolution.
📅 Upcoming Milestones and Government Actions
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry Report Submission | Sept 27, 2025 | May determine disciplinary action |
| Legislative Assembly Session | Oct 2025 | Opportunity to raise ST status demand |
| NHRC Review (if petitioned) | Oct 2025 | Human rights angle to be examined |
| Tribal Affairs Ministry Meet | Nov 2025 | Possible inter-ministerial dialogue |
The government is expected to hold consultations with Koch Rajbongshi leaders following the inquiry.
📌 Conclusion
The police action against Koch Rajbongshi protesters in Dhubri has sparked a political and social storm in Assam, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order a formal inquiry. As the community continues its decades-long fight for Scheduled Tribe status and constitutional recognition, the incident underscores the urgent need for inclusive governance and respectful engagement with indigenous voices. The inquiry’s outcome and subsequent policy decisions will be closely watched—not just in Assam, but across India’s tribal heartlands.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, government statements, and expert commentary as of September 12, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
