India, Sept. 12 -- Assam has been gripped by fresh unrest this week as protests demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community turned violent in Dhubri's Golakganj. What began as a peaceful demonstration has spiralled into clashes and injuries following an alleged police crackdown, leading to a 12-hour bandh, and bringing the long-pending demand for constitutional recognition into sharp focus.

On Wednesday night, the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students' Union (AKRSU) organised a torchlight march from Chilarai College to Golakganj Bazaar. The rally, pressing for ST status and a separate 'Kamatapur' state, saw thousands coming on the streets and was stopped midway by police and paramilitary personnel.

Protesters allege t...