In a dramatic show of solidarity and frustration, nearly 20,000 members of Assam’s indigenous Moran community took to the streets of Tinsukia on September 10, 2025, renewing their longstanding demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. The enormous rally, organized by the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU), was peaceful yet resolute, signaling deep disappointment with years of unfulfilled promises from successive governments.
Community leaders highlighted that the demand for ST status has lingered for over a decade, dating back to election promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and previous state administrations. Despite repeated assurances, the Moran community and five other indigenous Assamese groups remain classified only as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Protestors called out both state and central governments for allegedly using the community as a political pawn — with many carrying placards and chanting slogans as they marched through Tinsukia’s main streets.
The agitation’s leadership warned that unless concrete steps are taken within 72 hours to address their demands, the community would launch a large-scale economic blockade from September 15. AMSU president Polindra Bora declared that ST status and Sixth Schedule autonomy for the Moran people were “non-negotiable,” while general secretary Joykanta Moran asserted that “enough is enough,” noting decades of political betrayal by successive governments.
The protest’s timing—just before Prime Minister Modi’s planned visit to Assam—adds to the pressure on authorities. AMSU leaders urged the Prime Minister to use his visit to announce a concrete timeline for fulfilling the promise of ST inclusion for the Moran and other communities. With the next state elections approaching, their cause is poised to further influence Assam’s political landscape.
Beyond just ST recognition, the protesters also asked for the Moran Autonomous Council to be empowered under the Sixth Schedule, granting more autonomy and protection for their land and culture. The rally ended with a call for unity, urging all Morans to stay vigilant and continue their peaceful, democratic movement until justice is achieved.
The Moran community's demonstration underscores growing discontent and the enduring struggle of many indigenous groups in Assam for recognition, rights and political inclusion.
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