Over 1000 protestors march in Jorhat demanding ST status, warns BJP of 2026 poll fallout

Jorhat, Sept 17: A massive protest erupted at Jorhat’s historic Rajmao Pukhuri on Tuesday, as the Jatiya Janagosthi Sangathan demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities of Assam

Over a thousand demonstrators, bearing torches, marched through the town, raising slogans for ST status, repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and expulsion of foreigners.

The large turnout prompted the administration to deploy more than 1,000 police personnel in an attempt to stop the procession.

Despite roadblocks and official vehicles blocking the way, the protesters pushed through, parading across Jorhat before returning to Rajmao Pukhuri where the rally concluded. Brief scuffles broke out between police and protesters, but the situation was later brought under control.

Slogans such as “Joi Aai Axom” and “Jono Jati Koron Lagibo’e” echoed through the streets, intensifying the atmosphere.

Speakers at the rally warned of political consequences for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if the long-pending demand for ST status was ot granted before the 2026 Assembly elections.

“The extension of the CAA is being strongly opposed, and BJP’s promise to grant ST status to the six communities has proved hollow. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most failed chief minister of all time,” said Mohan Soikia, central advisor of the Chutiya Yuba Sanmilan.

He warned that protest actions would continue if the government fails to fulfil its promise before the elections, adding that attempts by the chief minister to silence dissent would not succeed.

Organisers said the unprecedented mobilisation reflected growing discontent and could significantly influence voter behaviour in the next polls.

“If the six communities are not accorded ST status before the 2026 polls, the BJP will meet the same fate as the Congress, which was thrown out of power,” said Kumud Gogi, president of the central committee of the Tai-Ahom Students’ Association.