DEMAND FOR AUTONOMY AND STATEHOOD IN CONTEMPORARY ASSAM

Abstract

The subject taken up for discussion here is the continuous demand for autonomy and statehood in contemporary Assam. Assam is inhabited by a multiplicity of ethno linguistic groups, both tribal and non tribal, has witnessed many separatist movements regarding ethnicity and autonomy. This resulted in the formation of new states carved out from the hill areas of the earlier composite state of Assam. As a process of change in development results in serious dislocation in the society and raising these issues continuously. The expansion of ethnic identity has captured political institutions and social movements. In the present context, the Bodos, Karbis, Koch Rajbongshis and Dimasas have given impetus to separate statehood and the Bodos have continuously focused on their demands. Among these the paper will focus only on the Bodo movement for separate statehood.