GUWAHATI, July 15: The Kamrup unit of the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU) and the South Kamrup unit of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) have strongly opposed the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority’s (GMDA) proposal to acquire land in areas under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) for the Guwahati City Extension Project. Addressing a joint press conference on July 14, ARSU President Ananda Rabha, General Secretary Ashok Nongbag, and ABSU South Kamrup President Sangswarang Basumatary alleged that the move violates the provisions of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Act, 2005, and poses a serious threat to tribal land rights in the Tribal Belts and Blocks.

The student bodies claimed that the state government’s decision to bring 779 revenue villages under the GMDA’s jurisdiction without the consent of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council is an attempt to weaken the autonomous council. They said the proposed expansion would deprive Raiti farmers of their land ownership rights, which have been protected for generations under existing laws.

The organisations further stated that they have consistently opposed the inclusion of RHAC villages under the GMDA since 2009, warning that such initiatives would gradually erode the Tribal Belts and Blocks framework and adversely affect the indigenous communities residing in the region.

Demanding immediate intervention, ARSU and ABSU called for the withdrawal of all land acquisition notices issued for the project, opposed the inclusion of RHAC villages under the GMDA, and sought stronger safeguards for tribal land rights.

Referring to the Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority Bill, 2026, the leaders asserted that any development within the proposed State Capital Region must strictly comply with existing laws, obtain prior consent from autonomous councils, and follow the provisions of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, to ensure that the planning process remains lawful, transparent, and inclusive.