Dibrugarh, Nov 30: The All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) conducted a bike rally and public demonstration in Makum, Tinsukia district, on Sunday, calling for urgent government intervention to address deep-rooted social challenges in the region’s tea garden communities.
The protest focused on combating child marriage, the rampant illegal trade of bootlegging, and the widespread consumption of the locally brewed country liquor known as sulai.
Led by AASAA Tinsukia district president Albert Oreya, the demonstration began with a spirited motorcycle rally through Makum town before converging at the town centre for a coordinated protest. Activists raised slogans highlighting how the easy availability of illicit liquor has contributed to domestic violence, severe health issues, and financial distress among tea garden workers.
The association also expressed concern over rising student dropout rates in tea garden schools. It urged the Education Department to introduce targeted welfare schemes, incentives, and improved school infrastructure to keep children in classrooms.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Oreya said, “Child marriage and the curse of illegal liquor are destroying the future of our youth and our families. We are losing a generation to these twin scourges. We demand strict, visible action against the bootleggers and those who facilitate child marriages.”
He further stressed the role of education in breaking the cycle of deprivation. “Education is the only way out of poverty, yet children are forced to leave school early due to economic pressure and lack of proper support. We need immediate, focused measures to keep our students in classrooms,” he added.
 conducted a bike rally and public demonstration in Makum, Tinsukia district, on Sunday, calling for urgent government intervention to address deep-rooted social challenges in the region’s tea garden communities.){kind=link}