Guwahati, Sept. 7 -- "Aaji ghor-bari-lora erilung. Kiba eta pabole, kiba eta eribo lagibo. ST aajuri aanibole duojn ulaisu Margherita loy," declared Boby Dohutia, a resident of Assam's easternmost corner, her voice echoing the fervor of thousands rallying for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

From elderly women leaning on sticks to young students, communities across Upper Assam are uniting in a fervent push for recognition, autonomy, and a secure future for their children.

"Ei boyakhot nija-nke pabolegiya, ki nu heruvabo lagiya, ulai aahisu nati-ntina hokolor babe, jati-tur premor babe," said 89-year-old Deepanjali Moran, marching in Margherita's torchlight rally, undeterred by age or politics.

For her and countless others, ST status repres...