HAFLONG, December 2, 2025: The N.C. Hills Indigenous Students' Forum (NCHISF) has vehemently opposed the Assam Government's recent move to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six additional communities in the state. The opposition comes in response to the Group of Ministers (GoM) recommendation regarding the matter, which was laid on the floor of the Assam Legislative Assembly on November 29, 2025.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the Forum described the government's decision as a "serious threat to the constitutional safeguards of the existing Scheduled Tribes of Assam." The student body argued that the inclusion of these six communities - whom they characterized as "large and socially, politically, and economically advanced"- would dangerously dilute the rights of existing tribes and undermine the fundamental purpose of tribal protections.
The NCHISF leadership, including President David Keivom and General Secretary Lalhaothang Haolai, announced their full endorsement of a mass rally organized by various Tribal Student Organisations scheduled for December 3, 2025. The rally aims to demonstrate unity and register a collective protest against what the Forum terms an "arbitrary and harmful move."
Following an executive meeting held at their headquarters on December 1, the NCHISF issued an ultimatum to the state government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the decision. The Forum warned that if the government fails to act following the December 3rd rally, they are prepared to launch "intensified democratic agitations."
"If necessary, including Rail & Road Blockades and any other democratic measures required to protect the rights and future of our coming generations," the statement read.
Tensions are expected to rise in the hill district as student organizations mobilize for the upcoming rally, signaling a potential standoff with the administration over the sensitive issue of tribal status classification.
