Written by, April 13 -- Mrinal Bora

Jatiyatabaad (Assamese sub-nationalism ), as it is called, has evolved over time, with its definitions ranging from expansionism and ethnonationalism to even radical secessionist interpretations. However, these earlier definitions relied on socio-political frameworks that placed the Assamese or Axomiya at the centre of analysis-an identity that cut across caste, creed, religion, and ethnic assertions.

Over the decades, Jatiyatabaad continued to evolve, permeating various facets of social life in Assam. It eventually took an electoral plunge following the Assam Movement, which focused on economic concerns, cultural identity, and the migration of foreigners into Assam-factors that significantly altered ...