Members of the Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad Assam (TAYPA) staged a protest near the Assam Secretariat on January 4, intensifying their demand for recognition of the Tai Ahom community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
GUWAHATI: Members of the Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad Assam (TAYPA) staged a protest near the Assam Secretariat on January 4, intensifying their demand for recognition of the Tai Ahom community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). The demonstration attracted significant public attention, prompting the deployment of security forces to maintain order.Speaking to reporters, TAYPA President Diganta Tamuli expressed the community’s dissatisfaction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to deliver on its promise of granting ST status. “Since 2014, we have witnessed three Lok Sabha elections and two Assembly elections. Despite coming to power, the BJP has not kept its word,” Tamuli remarked.He further warned of potential political consequences if the demand remains unmet. “If the government continues to ignore our plea, this year will prove challenging for the BJP. Our community will no longer remain silent,” he stated, hinting at plans to leverage the issue in the upcoming elections.TAYPA has outlined a broader strategy to escalate their agitation. The organization plans to implement rail, highway, and economic blockades to intensify pressure on the government until their demands are addressed.The call for ST status by the Tai Ahom community has been a longstanding issue, rooted in their quest for socio-economic and cultural protections. Despite repeated assurances from various governments, the matter remains unresolved, deepening frustrations among community members.The movement for ST recognition is driven by concerns over preserving cultural heritage, accessing government benefits, and safeguarding traditional practices. TAYPA argues that inclusion in the ST category would help the community overcome socio-economic challenges and secure a more equitable share of opportunities.The BJP has not yet issued an official response to TAYPA’s protest and warnings. However, the growing unrest among Tai Ahoms poses a potential challenge for the party as it gears up for future elections. Political observers note that the escalating agitation could influence electoral dynamics, particularly in regions where the Tai Ahom community holds considerable influence.As TAYPA prepares for more disruptive actions, the state government’s handling of the situation will be closely watched by both supporters and critics, with implications for broader political and social discourse in Assam.
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