The demand for constitutional recognition of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution gained significant momentum at a recent convention held by various Rabha organizations in Bamunigaon, Kamrup district. The event took place at the Milaghat Milan Jyoti Youth Club playground, drawing strong attendance and support from the community.
On Sunday, three major Rabha bodies-the Kamrup District Rabha Students’ Union (KDRSU), the Rabha Mahila Parishad, and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee-held their respective sessions. The KDRSU marked its 17th biennial meeting, the Rabha Mahila Parishad its 13th, and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee its 7th triennial session, culminating in a successful two-day conference that emphasized unity, peace, and reiteration of their Sixth Schedule inclusion demand.
The concluding day commenced with the hoisting of flags by KDRSU president Anand Rabha, Rabha Mahila Parishad president Lalita Rabha, and Sixth Schedule Demand Committee president Vidya Rabha. Following this, a tribute to martyrs was led by general secretary Ashok Nongbak. The gathering also honored the legacy of Assam’s renowned singer Zubeen Garg and the legendary Rabha leader Boge Raja Bhuvan Singh Rabha, alongside a tree plantation initiative to promote environmental responsibility.
A vibrant procession showcasing traditional dances and songs from various ethnic groups further emphasized the call for Sixth Schedule status. The open session was inaugurated by KDRSU vice-president Pradip Rabha, who spoke about the socio-political challenges the Rabha community faces and underscored the need for inclusive development across all communities.
During the session, the district students’ union released its publication ‘Phiching,’ with editor Sanjib Kumar Rabha at the helm, while the Rabha Mahila Parishad unveiled ‘Mapaksini,’ introduced by founder president Lakshi Rabha. The dais featured several respected figures, including Tankeshwar Rabha, Chief Executive Member of RHAC; Dashanan Rabha, president of the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee; Motilal Rabha, president of ARSU; and Lalita Rabha, president of ARWC. Notable guests included Dolly Choudhury, an NSS President’s Award recipient, and Manas Pratim Sharma, president of the South-West Kamrup Students’ Union.
Simultaneously, the Bamunigaon Regional Rabha Students’ Union conducted its 14th biennial session alongside the Mahila Parishad’s 4th and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee’s 7th sessions. A representative meeting resulted in new committee formations for all three organizations, electing Anand Rabha as president and Ashok Nongbak as general secretary for the Students’ Union, while Sadhana Rabha and Mallika Rabha were named president and secretary of the Mahila Parishad. Kalpa Rabha and Lakshmikanta Rabha took up the roles of president and general secretary of the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee.
Addressing the attendees, Tankeshwar Rabha emphasized the urgent challenges facing the Rabha community and called for a unified effort to address these issues. He urged the youth to engage with local villages to raise awareness of community concerns. Additionally, he announced plans for an upcoming tripartite meeting to discuss RHAC’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, reaffirming the council’s commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all communities, emphasizing their stance against exclusion.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-rabha-organisations-reiterate-sixth-schedule-demand-at-biennial-conference-in-kamrup-1321104-2025-12-23?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-23 09:30:00
