AATASU Organizes ‘Gana Hamabekh’ in Sivasagar, Calls for Protection of Indigenous Rights

The All Assam Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU) organized a large-scale gathering, “Gana Hamabekh,” on Tuesday, March 25, at Boarding Field in Sivasagar, to draw attention to the government’s failure to address the demands of Indigenous communities in Assam. The event aimed to highlight the need for the protection of the identity and rights of Indigenous people, particularly the Tai Ahom community.

During the gathering, leaders and participants expressed their concerns over issues affecting the Tai Ahom and other Indigenous groups, calling for constitutional protections, land rights, and the recognition of their heritage. The event attracted a large crowd, showcasing the growing frustration among the people due to the government’s inaction on their long-standing demands.

Previously, AATASU had organized a protest in Sivasagar to urge the government to take steps to preserve ancient Ahom-era monuments. Over 500 people participated in a march from the local Boarding Field to Dolomukh Chariali, where they held a demonstration.

The union accused the authorities of neglecting these historical monuments, which have faced deterioration and illegal encroachments. Despite a district survey identifying over 500 such monuments, little has been done to protect them, according to the union’s allegations.

AATASU has set a deadline for the government to act, stressing the cultural and historical significance of these monuments. Basanta Gogoi, President of AATASU, emphasized the urgency of restoring these sites to preserve Assam’s heritage.