Khilonjias of Assam | 06 Jan 2020
Why in News
The ethnic communities of Assam are opposing to include non-tribal communities in the group of Khilonjia (also known as indigenous) people of the state.
- The opposition came ahead of a report to be submitted by panel enlisting the communities that qualify to be called ‘khilonjia’ for implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord of 1985.
- Clause 6 of the Assam Accord (1985) prescribes land and constitutional rights only for the indigenous in Assam.
- Currently, Khilonjias comprises of Bodo (the largest plains tribe in the northeast), Deuri, Dimasa, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari and Tiwa.