Assam: Peace talks stall as Koch Rajbongshi protesters demand separate state

Hundreds of protesters marched through Kokrajhar on Monday, November 4, demanding immediate peace talks with leaders of proscribed outfit and the creation of a separate Kamtapur state for the Koch Rajbongshi community.

The Komtapur State Demand Committee (KSDC) led the demonstration from Kokrajhar Government Higher Secondary Multipurpose School to the District Commissioner's office, where they submitted a memorandum addressed to India's Prime Minister and President.

“We have been demanding a separate Komtapur state for a long time. The government has yet to take any concrete steps towards a peace agreement with KLO Chairman Jibon Singh," said KSDC President Lakhindra Ray. 

The protesters called for scheduled tribe status for the Koch Rajbongshi community, a longstanding demand that remains unaddressed. Ray warned of intensified protests across Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar if the government fails to respond.