The two-day winter session of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) began on December 1 under tight security, as the region continues to witness intense protests against the Assam government’s move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities. The heightened tensions formed the backdrop of the opening day’s proceedings, held at the BTC Secretariat in Bodofa Nagar.
BTC Speaker Tridip Daimary chaired the session, which commenced with the Question Hour. Members from the BPF, BJP, and UPPL participated as the council reviewed issues linked to various development schemes implemented across the region. With several key matters listed for discussion, more deliberations are expected as the session continues.
Public unrest has risen sharply since November 29, when thousands of Bodo students mobilised by the Tribal Students’ Union marched from Bodoland University at Rangalikhata, Debargaon, to the BTC Secretariat. The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the state government’s recommendation to grant ST status to six communities, arguing that such a decision could dilute the existing safeguards, rights, and political representation of recognised tribal groups within the Bodoland Territorial Region.
In response to the growing agitation, authorities have intensified security measures around the council complex and other sensitive areas. Officials are continuously monitoring the situation as the BTC session progresses, aiming to maintain order while addressing the concerns of the aggrieved groups.
