The protest marked one of the largest mobilisations by tea tribes and Adivasi groups in recent years. Organisers accused the Centre of delaying the constitutional process despite repeated assurances.
BY PC Bureau
October 23, 2025 — In a powerful show of unity and determination, more than two lakh protesters poured into the streets of Dhekiajuli, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Assam’s tea tribe and Adivasi communities.
The massive rally — marked by chants, colorful banners, and stirring slogans — reflected deepening frustration among these long-marginalized groups over decades of unfulfilled promises and stalled reforms.
The protest, jointly organized by major groups including the All Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (AATSA), All Assam Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA), Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha, Chah Janajati Mahila Samiti, and Adivasi Mahila Samiti, drew participants from tea gardens across the state.
Marchers converged at a central venue for a public meeting, where community leaders reiterated their key demands: ST recognition, issuance of land pattas (ownership titles), and higher daily wages for tea garden workers.
“For decades, we have been the backbone of Assam’s tea industry, yet our voices remain unheard,” said a senior AATSA leader. “ST recognition is not just a demand — it is our right.”
Banners emblazoned with messages such as “Grant ST Status Now!” and “Justice for Tea Tribes and Adivasis” captured the rally’s spirit. Speakers accused successive governments of making “hollow promises” during elections and abandoning the communities afterward.
BREAKING 🚨
Be assured Godi Media won’t show you this – Massive protests in Demaji Assam against the BJP government 🔥🔥
In Dhemaji, Assam, the Tie Ahom organisation protested against the BJP government demanding ST status 💥
— Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) October 22, 2025
Struggles of an Unheard Workforce
The protest highlighted the harsh realities faced by tea garden and Adivasi laborers — from low wages and lack of land ownership to poor access to education and healthcare.
“Our people toil endlessly in tea gardens, yet remain invisible to policymakers,” said a representative of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha. “ST status is a step toward dignity and equality.”
Activists said constitutional recognition would bring long-overdue socio-economic safeguards and development benefits to these communities, who form the backbone of Assam’s tea industry — a sector central to the state’s economy since colonial times.
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Speakers at the rally also issued a direct warning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
“The tea tribes and Adivasis are not just voters; we are a force that can shape Assam’s political future,” said an AASA leader to loud applause. “If the BJP continues to ignore us, they will face the consequences at the ballot box.”
The demand for ST status has been pending for decades, despite repeated assurances from both state and central governments. Many protesters recalled similar promises made in the run-up to past elections, which were never implemented.
Peaceful Yet Determined
Despite the massive turnout, the demonstration remained peaceful and disciplined. Security forces were deployed across Dhekiajuli, and no untoward incidents were reported.
At the end of the rally, organizers submitted a memorandum to local authorities, urging immediate government action on their demands.
“This is not the end; it’s only the beginning,” said a leader of the Chah Janajati Mahila Samiti. “We will continue our fight until ST status is granted, land rights are secured, and our workers receive fair wages.”
The coalition announced plans for further statewide protests, awareness campaigns, and policy dialogues if the government fails to respond.
Historical Roots and Broader Context
The tea tribes and Adivasi communities, whose ancestors were brought to Assam from central India by the British in the 19th century, remain among the state’s most marginalized populations. Despite their critical contribution to the tea economy, many still live in company-provided housing without legal land rights and survive on wages below living standards.
The demand for ST recognition has been contentious, with debates over its implications for existing ST groups. However, advocates argue that the tea tribes’ distinct cultural identity and persistent socio-economic disadvantages justify inclusion.
Similar protests have been reported across Tinsukia, Jorhat, and Golaghat, signaling that the movement is gaining strength statewide.
Thursday’s demonstration has sent a clear message to the government: Assam’s tea tribes and Adivasis are united, organized, and determined to secure their rights.
As the 2026 elections near, the issue could emerge as a key political fault line, testing the BJP-led government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development.
“We are not just workers; we are the soul of Assam’s tea gardens,” said one protester. “It’s time the government recognizes our worth.
