GUWAHATI, Dec 1: The Assam government on Sunday announced that it will hold discussions with tribal organisations opposing the Group of Ministers’ (GoM) report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities, amid ongoing protests across the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government aims to address apprehensions raised by groups such as the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), which has expressed concern that recognising the Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis) as STs may adversely impact existing tribal communities.

Following a cabinet meeting, Sarma said many criticisms stemmed from a lack of proper understanding of the report. “Some people, especially CCTOA, have not read the report properly but commented on it in the media,” he said, adding that ministers will soon invite CCTOA leaders for a detailed explanation.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the GoM’s three-tier classification proposal ensures no dilution of existing ST reservation benefits. “Those currently classified as ST will not face even a single per cent damage,” Sarma asserted, emphasising that the framework aims to include the six communities without disrupting the present quota system.

He also expressed readiness to personally meet protest leaders if needed to clear any further confusion.

Responding to criticism from the opposition, Sarma said there is still time before the report is submitted to the Centre and invited constructive suggestions from the Congress. “If the Congress has any positive suggestions, we will definitely consider them,” he added.

Protests led by CCTOA and other tribal bodies have intensified since the GoM report was tabled in the Assembly, with several groups warning that granting ST status to the six communities could threaten the rights of existing tribal populations.