Context:

• Majuli island is mostly inhabited by Mishing tribal people.
• They were earlier called as Miris in historical days and the Constitution of India still refers to them as Miris.
• They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government under the name ‘Miri.‘
• Ali-Aye-Leegang and the Pohrag are the two famous festivals celebrated by the Mishing people.

Why in News?

• Recently Assam Chief Minister launched the Roll­ on­ Roll­ off (RoRo) service which will help ferry people and goods vehicles to provide much needed connectivity to Majuli river island. The RoRo service was launched in collaboration between Inland Waterways Authority of India and Assam government. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo.

About Majuli Island:

• Majuli is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam. 
• In 2016 became the first island to be made a district in India.
• The river island covers an area of around 880 sqkm.
• It was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the Lohit.
• Majuli Island was declared the largest river island in the world, by Guinness World Records.
• The island has been nominated for the World Heritage Site status.
• It has been included in the tentative list by UNESCO.

Source:TH