AJYCP protests in Tinsukia seeking protection of indigenous people’s land & political rights

Dibrugarh: Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) launched a massive protest in Tinsukia town on Monday, sending a stern message to the govt regarding the protection of land and political rights of the indigenous people of Assam.

Led by AJYCP president Palash Changmai, hundreds of activists marched through the town, raising slogans against land encroachment and the marginalisation of native communities.


The rally primarily focused on the escalating tensions in the Sixth Schedule areas, particularly Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. The organisation demanded that the state and central govts take immediate steps to safeguard the constitutional rights of the indigenous tribes, which they claim are being diluted by “non-Assamese outsiders.”

Addressing the gathering, Changmai expressed deep concern over the recent violence and unrest in Karbi Anglong. He said the land and political rights of the Karbi people and other indigenous groups must be secured at all costs to maintain the demographic and cultural integrity of the region.

“The stance of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad is clear. The land rights of the indigenous people in Assam must be protected. The govt must remain committed to the right to self-determination of the Karbi people in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. We cannot allow non-Assamese outsiders to pose any challenge to tribal autonomy,” he added.

The AJYCP leader extended his support to the ongoing movement by the Karbi people against the alleged land encroachment by non-indigenous settlers in West Karbi Anglong. Changmai alleged a systematic conspiracy where outsiders are reportedly purchasing land illegally and occupying areas classified as Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserves (VGR).

He said under the Constitution, non-tribals are strictly prohibited from acquiring land in Sixth Schedule areas. However, this rule has been violated.

“Lakhs of non-indigenous people have now settled in these districts, enjoying land ownership. This has pushed the indigenous Karbi people to the brink of an existential crisis. While the law prohibits non-tribals from acquiring land, these rules are being violated openly, allowing outsiders to marginalise the very people this land belongs to,” he added.

The rally concluded with a memorandum addressed to the authorities, calling for an immediate halt to illegal land transfers and the eviction of encroachers from VGR and PGR lands.

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