Kalita community blocks NH-17 in Goalpara over land bill demands
Protesters seeking indigenous status and land rights blocked a national highway in Assam's Goalpara district on Monday.
Members of the Kalita community blocked National Highway 17 at Agia in Assam’s Goalpara district on Monday, according to The Assam Tribune. The protest was organised by the Kalita Jatiya Sanmilan to demand recognition as an indigenous community and the protection of land rights.
The protesters are opposing provisions in the Assam Land and Revenue Amendment Bill, 2026. They allege the bill could exclude community members from land protections. The group wants the Kalita community included in the list of indigenous ethnic communities under the legislation.
The agitation also seeks the removal of a requirement for three generations of documentary records, using January 1, 2006, as the reference date, to prove original inhabitant status. Protesters are also asking for land rights within autonomous areas, Sixth Schedule areas, and tribal belts and blocks.
One protester said the community has raised concerns with the Assam government without receiving support. A woman participant claimed the community faces disadvantages in education due to a lack of reservation and said the government intends to take away land rights.
Another protester alleged that appeals to the Chief Minister regarding healthcare, land, and education have failed. The protester also said they would gherao the residences of Kalita community MLAs if those representatives fail to raise concerns in the Assembly.
This demonstration follows the Assam Legislative Assembly passing the land amendment bill on July 29. Protesters warned they will intensify their agitation if their demands are not met.