A protest march took place in Umrangso, located in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, on January 31, in response to the alleged transfer of land protected under the Sixth Schedule to corporate entities. Opposition parties accused the BJP-led Autonomous Council and the state government of dispossessing tribal communities of their lands and resources.
The protest was organized collectively by the Indian National Congress, the All-Party Hills Leaders’ Conference (APHLC), and the United Opposition Party. Participants included representatives and supporters from various political groups, effectively bringing parts of Umrangso town to a standstill.
Opposition leaders claimed that significant portions of tribal land had been surrendered for projects, including solar power plants, palm oil cultivation, and other industrial initiatives supported by corporate entities. “Our land is being taken away in the name of development. Sixth Schedule land is being sold to big corporates and MNCs, which will destroy tribal rights and the future of our people,” stated one protest leader. He further emphasized that land suitable for tourism and sustainable livelihoods is being redirected toward factories and industrial developments.
Challenging the narrative of job creation, protesters contended that these large-scale projects do not serve local tribal youth. “Thousands of bighas of land will go, but how many jobs will our village boys actually get? These industries need skilled labor, and very few from our villages have access to skill certification. At best, one security guard gets a job,” argued another leader.
The demonstrators noted that similar protests had occurred previously in Diphu, indicating that the Umrangso march marks the beginning of a broader mobilization in Dima Hasao. Slogans such as “Remove Debolal Gorlosa” and “Save the Sixth Schedule” echoed throughout the protest.
Leaders also accused the BJP of exploiting tribal resources while relegating indigenous people to low-paying roles. “They want tribals to remain chowkidars while our land and wealth are taken away,” a speaker asserted.
During the protest, opposition leaders submitted a memorandum demanding the protection of Sixth Schedule provisions and raising concerns over the alleged unlawful enactment of powers in Dima Hasao district. They stated that the memorandum would be sent to higher authorities for appropriate action.
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution offers special administrative safeguards to tribal areas in Northeast India, ensuring protections over land ownership and governance through autonomous councils.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/opposition-parties-protest-in-assams-umrangso-against-alleged-transfer-of-sixth-schedule-land-to-corporates-1339387-2026-01-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-31 22:26:00
