Indigenous leaders of Assam have strongly condemned what they described as "barbaric atrocities" by Assam Police on members of the Koch-Rajbanshi community at Golokganj in Dhubri district on September 10. They demanded an impartial judicial inquiry and strict action against the culprits, urging the state to ensure that such incidents are not repeated when communities raise their democratic rights.
At the same press conference, the leaders also expressed outrage over the detention of Bhanu Tatak — a young activist and legal advisor of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum — at Delhi’s international airport on September 7. Tatak, who had been invited to Dublin City University in Ireland for a three-month program beginning September 9, was subjected to prolonged questioning and barred from boarding her flight despite valid documents. The leaders demanded clarification from the Government of India and safeguards to prevent such treatment of Northeast’s indigenous representatives.
Tracing historical grievances back to the 1826 Yandaboo Treaty, which brought Assam under British rule, the forum said that despite independence in 1947, the indigenous peoples of the Northeast continue to suffer displacement, economic marginalization, and cultural erosion due to immigration, neglect, and divisive policies.
To address these issues, the organization placed a 10-point charter of demands before the Centre and the state, including:
Recognizing February 24, 1826, as the constitutional base year for defining indigenous people of Assam and the Northeast.
Formation of a separate ministry for indigenous ethnic communities.
Granting autonomous statehood and creating legislative councils to ensure dignity in governance.
Extending the Inner Line Permit system across all eight Northeast states.
Revising the cut-off year for identifying foreign citizens in Assam from 1971 to 1951.
Official recognition of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007).
Promotion and official status for indigenous languages under UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–32).
Inclusion of Koch-Rajbanshi, Tai, Karbi, Mishing, Dimasa, Rabha, Deori, Hajong, Kuki, Bodo, Rengma, Garo, Tiwa, Kamrupiya, and Mar languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Declaring Assam a tribal state under the Sixth Schedule.
The statement was signed by Khagendrajit Thakuria, President in Charge, and Anup Arandhara, Secretary General.
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The day began with a solemn Buddhist ritual ceremony conducted by monks (Vantes) from both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, in accordance with the customs of the community. The coronation ceremony was followed by a public meeting that commenced with a tribute to the...
In a landmark judgment, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has held Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC) Hospital and three of its doctors liable for gross medical negligence, resulting in severe and permanent disability to Takam James, a young man from Arunachal Pradesh.
The complaint (Consumer Complaint No. 581 of 2014) was filed against Dr. Navanil Barua, Dr. Bivan Bihari Dey, and Dr. Monoj Agarwal, who were accused of negligent treatment following a motorbike accident that left Mr. James with severe brain injuries. During his treatment at GNRC, multiple procedural lapses occurred, including an undocumented and improperly conducted tracheostomy that...
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The meeting reviewed the progress of key schemes under the Department of Primary and Secondary Education’s 2025–26 budget. Key initiatives discussed included distribution of bicycles to Class 9 students, progress under the Chief Minister’s Millionaire Scheme, implementation of free admissions for school students, assessment of infrastructure and academic quality in newly upgraded higher secondary...
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“We urge the UN to take immediate and serious action on the humanitarian crisis in Balochistan. Recognizing an independent Balochistan becomes an essential initiative to bring a lasting peace in the region, end decades of suffering and support the people whose voices have been silenced for a long period,”...
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the impact of parasites on human health. Dr. Lee Merritt, a seasoned medical professional, has spoken publicly about a detox protocol she personally follows to manage parasitic infections. While not intended as a treatment recommendation, her approach has gained interest for its clarity and practicality.
Introduction
Dr. Merritt emphasizes from the outset that she is not prescribing or advising anyone to follow her routine. “I’ve been asked about the anti-parasite protocol I personally use,” she says. “Let me be clear—I’m not telling anyone what to do. This is not a treatment recommendation; it’s simply the protocol I use for my...
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The meeting brought together members of the Indigenous Peoples of Moung-Dun-Chun-Kham (Assam, North East India), All Man-Tai Speaking Students’ Union, Tirap Autonomous District Council Demand Committee, and the Tirap Mouza Indigenous Tai-Ahom Land Rights Protection Committee.
The participants unanimously decided to initiate further actions to safeguard the land rights of...
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The Aoling festival, observed annually in the first week of April, marks the arrival of spring and invokes blessings for a prosperous agricultural season. The festivities span several days, filled with rituals, communal feasts, and cultural performances.
In the first three days, villagers engage in traditional activities such as weaving ethnic attire, collecting...
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