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Assam Cabinet’s Decision: Assam government withdraws ~28,000 pending Foreigner Tribunal cases against Koch Rajbongshi community members.
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Reasoning: State government considers them an “indigenous community.”
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Koch Rajbongshi Identity: Traced to the Koch Dynasty of the Kamata Kingdom (16th century). Spread across Assam, West Bengal, and parts of neighboring countries.
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Geographic Concentration: Significant presence in western Assam districts. Kamatapur Autonomous Council created in 2020 for their advancement.
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Demands: While having OBC status, they seek Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Some groups, especially in West Bengal, advocate for a separate Kamatapur state.
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Citizenship Issues (“D-voter” Tag): Transborder nature led to many being labeled “D-voters,” questioning their citizenship due to the 1985 Assam Accord.
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Controversies/Questions: Selective withdrawal raises questions about similar relief for other communities, especially indigenous Assamese Muslim sub-groups. Concerns raised that figures may be inflated for political gain with upcoming elections.
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Similar instances:The Assam Cabinet had similarly announced the withdrawal of cases against members of the Gorkha community.
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Political significance: Communities are expected to build pressure on the state government as the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly election draws closer.
