Groups Protest at Jantar Mantar, Renew Demand for Sixth Schedule Status

Groups Protest at Jantar Mantar, Renew Demand for Sixth Schedule Status

Various Rabha organisations staged a protest at Jantar Mantar here, renewing their long-standing demand for inclusion of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The demonstration was organised by the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU), the All Rabha Women Council, and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee. Protesters, many dressed in traditional Rabha attire, raised slogans and held placards highlighting the need for constitutional safeguards to protect the rights, identity and land of the Rabha community.

Leaders of the organisations said that despite the formation of the RHAC in 1995, the council continues to function with limited powers, hampering effective governance and development in Rabha-inhabited areas of Goalpara and Kamrup districts of Assam. They argued that Sixth Schedule status is essential to ensure administrative autonomy, preservation of culture and protection of indigenous rights.

A delegation of the protesting groups later submitted a memorandum to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, urging the Centre to take immediate steps to bring the RHAC under the Sixth Schedule. The memorandum pointed out that successive Assam governments have supported the demand and stressed that the RHAC region has a contiguous and predominantly tribal character.

Protest leaders also expressed concern over demographic changes in the area, claiming that the absence of constitutional protection has made the indigenous population vulnerable. They called for a tripartite dialogue involving the Centre, the Assam government and Rabha organisations to resolve the issue.

The protest reflects continuing mobilisation by indigenous communities in Assam seeking greater constitutional recognition and autonomy, as Rabha groups reiterated that their movement would continue until their demand is fulfilled.