Table of Contents
Introduction
The streets of Assam were illuminated by the fire of protest as hundreds of students, carrying flaming torches, held a massive rally to press for their long-standing demands. The powerful torchlight march was organized by the influential All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU). The students are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community and the creation of a separate state of ‘Kamatapur’.
Key Takeaways: The Assam Protests
- Who: The All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU).
- What: A massive torchlight protest march was held by hundreds of students.
- Why: The primary demand is for the government to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Koch-Rajbongshi community.
- Other Demands: The creation of a separate state of ‘Kamatapur’.
A Fiery Display of Demand
The torchlight march, a symbolic and visually powerful form of protest, saw hundreds of students marching through the streets, chanting slogans and holding banners. The protest was aimed at drawing the attention of both the state and central governments to the community’s demands, which they argue have been ignored for decades.
The Assam student protests, led by the AKRSU, are a significant political development in the state. The AKRSU is a powerful student body that represents the interests of the Koch-Rajbongshi people, one of the indigenous communities of Assam.
The Core Demand: Scheduled Tribe Status
🚨 A sea of citizens in Assam took out a march against Bangladeshis
~ All are seen chanting in support of the MASS EVICTION drive run by Assam Govt 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/KSD1fhXsTy— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) September 10, 2025
The central issue behind the protest is the demand for ST status. The Koch-Rajbongshi community has been fighting for this recognition for years. Granting ST status would provide the community with constitutional protections and benefits, including reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, which they believe are essential for their social and economic upliftment.
The protesters argue that despite numerous promises from successive governments, their demand has not been fulfilled, forcing them to intensify their agitation.
The Call for ‘Kamatapur’
In addition to the ST status, the AKRSU has also reiterated its demand for a separate state of ‘Kamatapur’. This proposed state would be carved out of parts of Assam and West Bengal, encompassing the historical homeland of the Koch-Rajbongshi people. While the demand for a separate state is a more complex and long-term goal, it remains a core part of the student union’s political agenda.
Conclusion
The massive torchlight march by the AKRSU is a powerful reminder of the unresolved political and social issues simmering in Assam. The Assam student protests have once again brought the demands of the Koch-Rajbongshi community to the forefront of state politics. As the students vow to continue their agitation, the pressure is now on the government to address these long-standing demands and initiate a dialogue to find a lasting solution.
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Sources:
- Hindustan Times: For the initial report on the protest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are students protesting in Assam?
The students, led by the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), are primarily protesting to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community.
What is the AKRSU?
The AKRSU is the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union, a powerful student organization that represents the interests of the Koch-Rajbongshi community in Assam.
