Published Paper Details:

The demographic pattern of Assam is varied and diverse which is a residence of different ethnic groups with their distinctive cultures and identity. The ethnic groups of Assam comprised Mising, Bodo, Karbi, Rabha, Tiwa, Dimasas, Kachari, Sonowal, and so on. It could be considered that in the post-colonial period, the nation-building process in India shows state-designed policies of homogenization and integration of different ethnic groups within the fold of a dominant language, culture or umbrella type of identity. This opened up dissatisfaction among many ethnic communities leading to the beginning of movement for their cultural revivalism and establishment of identities. One such significant initiative is the movement of the Mising Community to establish socio-cultural and political identity. The socio-economic conditions of the Mising tribe were worse as compared to other communities. They gradually started to lose their original identity and were deprived of their basic needs. Eventually, some educated youth emerged and organized themselves creating an organization and also trying to create identity consciousness among the Mising Community. Particularly, during the time of the 1960s and 1970s, Mising tribal leaders had started agitation for the autonomous administration; it however has a long historical background. Along with the giving Bodo Tribe an autonomous institution and moreover there are many socio-economic, and political factors that contributed augmentation of the movement. After a long struggle, an Autonomous Council to rule the areas dominated by the community was created. It however now appears that the Council has failed to fulfill the expectations of the Mising people and demand for the constitutional safeguard under the Sixth Schedule. This paper will tend to analyze the movement and creation of the Mising Autonomous Council.