Musical Performances that Moved Me: Lou Majaw, Peso Pluma, and Bhupen Hazarika
pied it,” and “Stop Land Grab,” the protesters demanded that the government respect their rights and not allow their lands to be taken away without consultation or consent.
The protest was organized by a coalition of various tribes and groups, including the Bodo, Rabha, and Garo communities, who have historically faced marginalization and displacement due to land acquisition for development projects. The protesters highlighted the importance of land as not just a source of livelihood but also a vital part of their cultural identity and heritage.
Speakers at the protest emphasized the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to land management, where Indigenous communities are involved in decision-making processes that affect their lands. They called for greater recognition of traditional land rights and the implementation of legal safeguards to protect Indigenous territories from encroachment and exploitation.
The protest culminated in a peaceful march to the local government office, where a memorandum outlining the community’s demands was submitted to the District Commissioner. The protesters vowed to continue their struggle until their rights over their ancestral lands are respected and upheld.
The demonstration highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Assam and across India in asserting their land rights in the face of growing pressures from development projects and commercial interests. It also underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action in defending the rights of marginalized communities against land grab and dispossession.
As the protest came to a close, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their lands and forests for future generations and ensuring that their voices are heard in decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods. The protest was a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of Indigenous communities to safeguard their lands and heritage against encroachment and exploitation.