Kamatapur’s Cry: Assam’s Koch-Rajbongshi Demands ST Status and Statehood in 15-Point Memorandum

A Group of 12 Organizations representing the Koch-Rajbongshi Community convenes a crucial meeting in Dispur, Assam

In a move that could potentially have far-reaching implications, the Koch-Rajbongshi Sanmilita Joutho Mancha, an umbrella body of 12 organizations, held a crucial meeting at the Dispur Press Club on Saturday. The purpose of the gathering was to discuss the community’s longstanding demands regarding identity, rights, and development. Following the deliberations, the Mancha submitted a special memorandum to Assam’s BJP President, Dilip Saikia, urging immediate government intervention.

The 15-point memorandum centers around the community’s primary demand for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), a long-standing request that has gone unfulfilled for years. The group also reiterated its call for the re-establishment of the historic Kamatapur state, adamant that it is integral to their heritage and self-governance. Furthermore, they demanded special recognition for the Koch-Rajbongshi language, ensuring its preservation and official status.

The memorandum also includes key cultural and infrastructural demands, such as the construction of a statue of legendary Koch warrior Bir Chilarai in New Delhi, formation of a ‘Chilarai Regiment’ to honor the community’s martial history, allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of Koch-Rajbongshi regions, and reconstruction of the historic Gohai Kamal Ali road.

During the meeting, grave concerns were raised regarding mismanagement in development projects meant for the Koch-Rajbongshi community, leading the Mancha to demand a high-level probe into financial irregularities. They specifically called for the removal of Pranab Narayan Dev, Chairman of the Koch-Rajbongshi Development Council, over allegations of corruption.

There is a warning in the air that protests will intensify if the demands are not met. The Mancha has announced plans to gherao the homes of ministers and MLAs, cautioning that politicians should not exploit the community for electoral gains in the upcoming state assembly elections. They have vowed to resist any leader attempting to use the community’s name for personal advantage.

The Mancha has also called for a tripartite meeting by April 30, 2025, between the Koch-Rajbongshi organizations, the central, and state governments to address their concerns. Additionally, they have demanded the rehabilitation and mainstreaming of former members of the armed group KLO, who have given up their armed struggle.

As the situation unfolds, the Mancha has also expressed a range of other demands, including the immediate establishment of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council, separate from the Sixth Schedule framework, speedy elections for the Kamatapur Autonomous Council, preservation of historical monuments, temples, and cultural landmarks, and the introduction of the Koch-Rajbongshi language in primary education. Construction of Chilarai Bhavans and statues of Bir Chilarai in every district and sub-divisional headquarters of Assam has also been at the top of their agenda.

While the stakes are high, the Koch-Rajbongshi community remains resolute and determined. Time will tell if their demands are met, but one thing is certain – this movement will not subside until justice is served.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-koch-rajbongshi-mancha-submits-15-point-memorandum-demands-st-status-and-kamatapur-state-1181318-2025-03-09?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 00:00:00