HT Bureau
DIPHU, July 30: A two-day hunger strike has been organised by the All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC) near Don Bosco Higher Secondary School here starting from Tuesday.
The protest demands the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution for the creation of an Autonomous State and new laws for the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) election.
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The APHLC is also calling for the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to be passed only with modifications and for the cancellation of clauses 2.3 and 2.9 of the MoS 2021.
Additionally, the APHLC demands amendments to Article 275 and Article 280 of the Indian Constitution to facilitate direct funding from the Central Government to the KAAC. They are also opposing the conduct of KAAC elections under the Panchayat Act and the imposition of the Panchayati Raj system in Sixth Schedule areas.
The APHLC has further sought to restore the term ‘Autonomous’ to all districts of ten tribal areas under paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. They are calling for the eviction of all non-tribal encroachers from PGR/VGR and other government lands and the restoration of Traditional Village Councils (TVC) for Scheduled Tribe people.
Speaking to media persons, APHLC president Jones Ingti Kathar stated that the hunger strike is planned for three days, but the district administration has granted permission for only two days.
“We are on a hunger strike, but the BJP suggests we should eat. Why should the BJP concern themselves with our hunger? It is we who will be hungry and thirsty, not the BJP. The BJP is actually very afraid of the APHLC. The District Administration has permitted the BJP to hold meetings and workshops in villages but has not allowed us to conduct our hunger strike,” Kathar said.
Kathar further asserted that the creation of an Autonomous State, either separately or jointly for Karbi Anglong and NC Hills, should be implemented immediately by the Central Government, as it is the constitutional right of Scheduled Tribe people.
“There is nothing more to do except pass a resolution in Parliament,” he added.
On the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, Kathar emphasised that it should not be passed without modifications, arguing, “Currently, Autonomous Council elections are being conducted as per Panchayat rules, which means the Autonomous Council is functioning illegally.”
He also reiterated that the Scheduled Tribes have their own Traditional Village Councils (TVCs) as mentioned in Article 243D of the Indian Constitution.
“For Dimasas, it is Raiji Naisokho; for Kukis, Tulsing Waisa; for Karbis, Ser Van Kep; for Khasis, Dorbarshnong; for Rengma Nagas, Njang Tirupvuniew Songsathven; for Garos, Songkho Dilgapa; and for Man (Tai speaking) Shyam, it is Mukpan Chahuban. These TVCs should be restored,” Kathar emphasised.
Regarding funding, Kathar stated that funds for the Autonomous Council should come from Article 275.
“Article 280 addresses the development of Municipalities and Town Committees, but Article 275 is specific to the development of Autonomous States and Councils. The state and central governments should allocate funds directly to the Autonomous Councils. The Panchayat & Rural Development Department can send funds directly to TVCs,” he explained.
Kathar also criticised non-tribal RSS and Bongosena groups, accusing them of attempting to undermine Scheduled Tribes.
He added that eviction drives in PGR/VGR areas in Kheroni, West Karbi Anglong, should be executed by the KAAC.
“People have elected them to work for them. Why should the public always have to extend support to the KAAC? It is their responsibility and duty to carry out the eviction drives,” Kathar concluded.
