Members of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) staged a bike rally and public demonstration in Makum, Tinsukia district, on Sunday, focusing on eradicating severe social issues prevalent in the region’s tea garden communities. The protest specifically demanded immediate government action against child marriage, the rampant illegal practice of bootlegging, and the harmful consumption of locally brewed country liquor, known as “Sulai.”
The demonstration, attended by AASAA Tinsukia district president Albert Oreya and other activists, began with a spirited motorcycle rally across Makum town before culminating in a synchronised protest in the town centre. Activists raised slogans highlighting that the proliferation of cheap and accessible illicit liquor has fueled domestic violence, health crises, and financial ruin among garden workers.
The association also drew attention to the troubling rate of student dropouts from tea garden schools. They urged the Education Department to implement targeted welfare measures, incentives, and improved school infrastructure to ensure students remain in the academic pipeline.
Albert Oreya highlighted the devastating impact of these issues on the youth. “Child marriage and the curse of illegal liquor are destroying the future of our youth and our families. We are losing a generation to these twin scourges. We demand strict, visible action against the bootleggers and those who facilitate child marriages,” Oreya said.
He added, “Education is the only way out of the cycle of poverty, yet children are forced to leave school early due to economic pressure and lack of proper support. We need immediate, focused measures to keep our students in classrooms.”
