The Political Autonomy and Identity of the Tiwa in Central Assam: Evolution and Consolidation

The question of autonomy has been an important issue of discourse in social science. Autonomy is the possession or right of self-government or freedom of action. The Tiwa people of North East India started the autonomy movement in post-colonial period to safeguard the socio-cultural, political and economic rights of the people. After the independence of India in 1947, various ethnic groups had started a series of movements demanding autonomous territory in the region and some of them had achieved it. This study investigates the Tiwa community’s movement for self-identity in Assam and analyzes the state government's response to their demands. The movement emerged as a reaction to the perceived threats to Tiwa cultural identity posed by dominant non-tribal communities and the inadequacies of government policies such as the Tribal Belts and Blocks in protecting tribal land and rights. Since 1967, the Tiwas have politically mobilized to safeguard their socio-cultural heritage and land ownership. The Tiwa people had formed various organizations in post-colonial period. Among the organizations the Lalung Darbar was the first organization of the Tiwas that demanded autonomous district for the Tiwas in Assam. Later on Autonomous Lalung District Demand Committee, Lalung Youth Front, Tiwa Youth Front, All Tiwa Students’ Union, Tiwa Women Association etc. were formed that launched the movement which pressurized the government of Assam to form the Tiwa Autonomous Council in 1995. This research explores the root causes of the autonomy movement, the role of various Tiwa organizations, and the state's approach to addressing tribal concerns. The Tiwas, also known as "Lalung," are an indigenous Scheduled Tribe residing mainly in Assam and Meghalaya. Despite their distinct language, traditions, and identity, they continue to face socio-economic marginalization. This study highlights the socio-political implications of the Tiwa movement and contributes to a broader understanding of ethnic identity movements in Northeast India.