Rabha tribals in Lower Assam, who are seeking an extension of the Sixth Schedule status granted to their area of habitation, are protesting against holding of panchayat elections in areas falling under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council.
On Sunday, agitated members of the community under the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU) set on fire a vehicle belonging to a Congress leader. This sparked off trouble in Lakhipur in Goalpara district, prompting police to use tear gas and also resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd.