Assam witnessed a massive show of strength as more than 20,000 members of the Moran community gathered in a rally demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and constitutional rights ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. The rally, which saw unprecedented participation from across districts, once again brought into focus the community’s long-pending demand for recognition under India’s constitutional framework.

The timing of the demonstration is significant, as it comes just days before the Prime Minister is set to address public gatherings in Assam. The Moran community’s rally has not only highlighted their social and political aspirations but also reignited debate on the broader question of tribal recognition and rights in the state.

Who Are the Moran Community?

The Moran community, one of Assam’s oldest indigenous groups, has a rich history rooted in the state’s cultural and political evolution. Historically, they played a crucial role in the Ahom kingdom and were known for their contributions in agriculture, defense, and administration. Despite their longstanding presence, the Morans continue to face challenges in gaining official recognition as a Scheduled Tribe.

Currently, Assam has several communities listed under Scheduled Tribe (Plains) and Scheduled Tribe (Hills), which allows them access to reservations in education, employment, and political representation. The Moran community has been demanding a similar status, arguing that their socio-economic backwardness and cultural identity warrant constitutional safeguards.

The Rally: A Sea of People and Voices

The rally witnessed participation from over 20,000 people, including community leaders, youth organizations, women’s groups, and elders. With banners, placards, and slogans, participants expressed their frustration over what they called “decades of neglect” by successive governments.

Community leaders at the rally emphasized that despite numerous petitions, delegations, and assurances from political leaders, their demand for ST status has remained unfulfilled. They warned that ignoring their voices could lead to greater alienation.

One of the speakers said:

“We are indigenous to this land. We have protected Assam’s culture and identity for centuries, but our rights are still denied. Without ST status, our future generations will continue to suffer.”

Timing and Political Significance

The rally’s timing — just before PM Modi’s scheduled visit to Assam — carries clear political weight. Assam has long been a politically sensitive state, with identity and recognition issues often dominating electoral debates. By mobilizing such large numbers, the Moran community has sent a strong message to both the state and central leadership.

Observers note that the demand for ST status by various communities, including the Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes, has been a longstanding issue in Assam politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised action on these demands in its election manifestos, but concrete steps have yet to materialize.

Socio-Economic Challenges of the Moran Community

Despite their deep roots in Assam, the Moran community faces significant socio-economic challenges:

• Education: Access to quality education remains limited, with many Moran-majority areas lacking higher educational institutions.
• Employment: With no ST status, they miss out on reserved quotas in government jobs and educational opportunities, further deepening unemployment.
• Land and Resources: Many community members rely on agriculture but face issues like land alienation and lack of government support schemes.
• Cultural Preservation: Younger generations are drifting away from traditional practices, raising concerns about cultural erosion.

Leaders argue that Scheduled Tribe recognition would provide constitutional safeguards, better representation, and greater opportunities to uplift their community.

Voices from the Ground

At the rally, voices from different sections of the community painted a vivid picture of aspirations and struggles:

• Youth Leaders: “Without ST status, our students cannot compete fairly for higher education and jobs. Our future is at stake.”
• Women Representatives: “Women in our community suffer double marginalization — both as women and as members of an unrecognized indigenous group.”
• Elders: “We have seen governments come and go, but promises remain promises. This rally is our reminder to Delhi and Dispur that we will not be silenced.”

Government’s Response So Far

Over the years, both the central and state governments have acknowledged the demand but cited administrative and constitutional complexities. The inclusion of any community into the ST list requires approval from the Registrar General of India, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, the Union Cabinet, and ultimately, an amendment to the Constitution.

In 2019, the Union government introduced a bill seeking to grant ST status to six communities in Assam, including the Moran. However, the bill faced hurdles and lapsed without being passed. Since then, the demand has resurfaced multiple times but without concrete results.

Implications for Assam’s Politics

The Moran community’s rally is not just a social statement but also a political one. Assam’s electoral politics often hinges on identity issues, and communities seeking recognition represent a crucial vote bank. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the pressure on political parties is mounting.

Analysts suggest that the ruling BJP, which enjoys strong support in Assam, cannot afford to ignore such mobilizations, especially when they coincide with the Prime Minister’s visit. Opposition parties, meanwhile, are likely to capitalize on the issue to corner the government.

Broader Context: Tribal Recognition in Assam

The demand for ST status is not unique to the Moran community. Several communities across Assam, including the Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi, have been pressing for similar recognition. Together, these groups represent a significant portion of Assam’s population.

Granting ST status to multiple large communities, however, has raised concerns among existing ST groups, who fear that their share of reservations and resources could be diluted. This has made the issue even more complex, requiring careful political and administrative balancing.

Expert Opinions

Experts on Assam’s socio-political landscape argue that recognition of the Moran community as a Scheduled Tribe is not merely about benefits but also about justice and identity.

Sociologist Dr. Anup Chetia notes:

“Communities like the Moran have contributed immensely to Assam’s history and culture. Denying them ST status perpetuates inequality and undermines their rightful place in society.”

Political analyst Rita Baruah adds:

“The rally sends a strong message ahead of PM Modi’s visit. It highlights that identity politics in Assam cannot be sidelined, and parties must address these demands with sincerity.”

What Lies Ahead?

As PM Modi prepares to visit Assam, the Moran community’s rally is expected to echo in both political and media circles. Whether the government takes immediate steps remains uncertain, but the mobilization has ensured that the demand for ST status is back at the center of public debate.

Community leaders have hinted at intensifying their movement if their demands are ignored. Peaceful protests, petitions, and delegations to Delhi are likely to continue in the coming months.