HT Bureau
DIPHU, July 29: A coalition of organisations led by the Karbi Anglong Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASDCOM) staged a three-hour sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding the immediate introduction of a Government Bill for the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
The protestors also called for the tabling of an Autonomous State Bill during the ongoing Parliament session.
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As per Article 244(A) of the Constitution—inserted through the 22nd Constitutional Amendment in 1969—Parliament is empowered to create an autonomous state within Assam for specific tribal areas.
The provision allows for the establishment of a legislature or a Council of Ministers, or both, with defined powers and functions, intended to protect and promote the interests of indigenous communities in the region.
Braving inclement weather, the demonstrators continued their protest amid heavy rainfall, raising slogans such as “No Autonomous State, No Rest!” to press their demand.
Participants included leaders and members of the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), Karbi Adorbar, Dimasa Students’ Union, KRA, KARSA, KUYA, and JNH, among others.
KADHASDCOM President Ajit Timung, addressing the gathering, alleged that the government had only made hollow promises and had failed to take any concrete steps toward implementing Article 244(A).
He stressed that the political and developmental rights of the indigenous hill communities could only be safeguarded through a sincere and time-bound enactment of the constitutional provision.
The absence of elected representatives from the three districts was noted, with no MPs or MLAs attending the demonstration.
Lok Sabha MP Amarsing Tisso, who represents the hill districts, did not meet the protestors, stating that his presence was required in the ongoing Parliament session.
The protest concluded with a strong message from the organisers, reiterating that the demand for an autonomous state under Article 244(A) remained non-negotiable and would continue to be raised until fulfilled.
