Indigenous Peoples’ Group Marks Foundation Day in Mariani

GUWAHATI, October 3, 2026 — The sixth foundation day of the Indigenous Peoples of Mong-Dun-Chun-Kham–Assam-North East India was observed at Magroi village in Mariani on Thursday with a day-long programme organised in association with the Magroi Yubak Sangha and local residents.

The organisation was founded on October 2, 2021, at Sukapha Bhawan in Guwahati.

The programme began at 10 am with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, a tree plantation drive and hoisting of the organisation's flag. Atul Gogoi, president of the Magroi Naamghar Management Committee, lit the ceremonial lamp, while Arun Gogoi participated in the tree plantation programme. The organisation's working president, Khagendrajit Thakuria, hoisted the flag.

A discussion on “Rights and Protection of Indigenous People and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007” was held from 11.30 am under the moderation of former Charaideo Zila Parishad president Priyabar Konwar.

The discussion was initiated by the organisation's chief adviser Nilambar Gogoi. Resource persons included retired Assam government Education Secretary Dr Kamaljyoti Gogoi, retired professor of Nandanath Saikia College, Titabar, Suresh Chandra Rajkhowa, organisation general secretary Anup Arandhara, working president Khagendrajit Thakuria and Bir Lachit Sena executive member Jadav Duwara.

The participants discussed various issues concerning the rights, protection and identity of indigenous communities in Assam and the Northeast.

The meeting called for implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Assam and the other northeastern states, which, according to the organisers, has received written support from the Government of India at the United Nations.

The meeting also demanded the reintroduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 to introduce an Inner Line Permit system across the eight northeastern states. Other demands included repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, from the Northeast, issuance of census records and identity documents for indigenous communities, and creation of separate ministries under the Central and state governments for indigenous people.

The participants also called for a permanent settlement of inter-state boundary disputes in the Northeast based on pre-Independence revenue records and records maintained by local village headmen.

A 17-member convenor committee was formed at the meeting to prepare a charter of 17 demands and submit it to the Central and state governments as well as the United Nations. The committee was also tasked with organising a convention of indigenous communities of the Northeast within the next six months.

The foundation day programme also featured cultural performances. The Lai-Lung-Kham dance of the Tai Ahom community was presented under the direction of Dipankar Barua and Pradip Gogoi. Niha Gogoi performed a Borgeet, while Aradhya Gogoi presented a folk song.

The programme was anchored by Anuranjan Duwara, assistant secretary of the organisation, while Deepak Gogoi, general secretary of the celebration committee, delivered the vote of thanks.

Two books were also released during the event. “Khilonjia—Tholgirir Surakshit Bhavishyatar Swarthat Ami Rajnoitikbhabe Sangothit Aru Oikoboddho Hou Aahok”, authored by Nilambar Gogoi, and “A Brief Account of the 600-Year Rule of the Tai Ahoms,” authored by Chao Umacharan Gogoi, were formally released by Suresh Chandra Rajkhowa and Dr Kamal Jyoti Gogoi.