Guwahati, June 9: Tribal activist Litsong Rongphar addressed reporters in Guwahati on Tuesday over the recent Assamese–Bihari tensions in Guwahati, alleging that indigenous communities in Assam are increasingly facing marginalisation and that public discourse has shifted attention away from their concerns.
Speaking on slogans reportedly raised during recent developments in Guwahati’s Arya nagar, Rongphar claimed that a political narrative around religious identity has overshadowed issues affecting indigenous and tribal communities in the state.
He argued that communities identified as indigenous or “Bhumiputra” of Assam — including Ahom, Moran, Motok, Karbi, Boro and Dimasa groups — are facing challenges related to rights, identity, representation and social standing.
Rongphar questioned narratives focusing on “Hindu khatre mein” and alleged that such political messaging has diverted attention from concerns raised by indigenous communities. He urged people across Assam to recognise what he described as the growing anxieties among indigenous groups and to engage with their concerns.
Referring to statements made by police authorities regarding reports of slogans such as “Assamese go back,” Rongphar alleged that some individuals and media personnel had heard such remarks and criticised the response of law enforcement, calling for greater attention to such incidents.He further accused the present government of prioritising religious politics over issues affecting Assamese and tribal communities.
According to him, local representatives were attempting to downplay concerns raised by sections of society.
Rongphar said several indigenous organisations are discussing possible collective responses if authorities fail to address such incidents.
He stated that if similar slogans or incidents continue in the future, indigenous groups across Assam may unite and raise their voices through democratic means.