Tinsukia, Sept 15: The All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU) today launched an indefinite economic blockade in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district, protesting the long delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the community.
The agitation comes against the backdrop of unfulfilled promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 election campaign, when he pledged ST recognition for six ethnic groups of Assam. However, during his recent two-day visit to the state, Modi made no mention of the issue, triggering fresh resentment among the Morans.
“From the time of the AGP and Congress governments, we have demanded ST status but were betrayed. In 2014, we saw a ray of hope when Modi promised us ST status, but once again our community has been ignored,” said Jaikanta Moran, general secretary of AMSU.
The Moran community, one of Assam’s oldest indigenous groups, has been pressing for ST status for decades. Along with the Morans, the Tai Ahoms, Mottocks, Koch Rajbongshis, Sooteas, and Tea Tribes were also promised inclusion in the ST list. A decade later, all six remain classified as Other Backwards Classes (OBCs).
AMSU members accused the BJP of betraying their trust. “ST status is our birthright. We fulfil all criteria, but the government has failed to deliver. From today, we have blocked oil and coal trucks, and our agitation will intensify until our demand is met,” said a protesting member.
The Moran Autonomous Council, formed in 2020, was also cited as an example of limited empowerment, with AMSU arguing that it lacks the authority enjoyed by councils under the Sixth Schedule.
The delay in granting ST status — once a major poll promise that helped the BJP secure significant support in Assam — has now fueled anger and disillusionment across the six communities, many of whom feel sidelined despite their long-standing demands.
 today launched an indefinite economic blockade in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district, protesting the long delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the community){kind=link}