Tiwa Students’ Union Protest Escalates in Jagiroad: Highway Blocked, Clashes Erupt with Police

Guwahati: A significant protest organized by the All Tiwa Students’ Union, in collaboration with various tribal organizations, disrupted traffic and brought attention to longstanding grievances in Jagiroad. The demonstration focused on opposing the formation of the Jagiroad Town Committee, advocating for the eviction of encroachers in the tribal belt, and calling for urgent discussions on including the Tiwa Autonomous Council in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.The protest quickly escalated as demonstrators, determined to make their voices heard, blocked the busy NH 37 highway. As tensions rose, police intervened in an attempt to clear the blockade and disperse the protesters. This led to a series of confrontations between the police and demonstrators, further intensifying the unrest.Local residents were caught in the middle of the chaos, with traffic halted for hours as the protest unfolded. The All Tiwa Students’ Union has been a vocal advocate for greater autonomy for the Tiwa community, arguing that the issues of encroachment and inadequate political representation must be addressed to protect the rights of tribal people in the region.The situation in Jagiroad underscores the escalating concerns surrounding tribal governance, the protection of indigenous rights, and the demands for more political autonomy, particularly in light of the socio-political shifts taking place in the area.