HT Bureau
DIPHU, May 17: The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) celebrated its 41st foundation day at the Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Memorial Town Hall here on Sunday, reaffirming its commitment to spearhead the movement for the achievement of an Autonomous State.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the party flag at the central committee office by president Sonasing Terang, followed by tributes to departed leaders and members who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Autonomous State movement.
Related Posts:
Addressing a meeting attended by party members and workers at the Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Memorial Town Hall, party president Terang said the ASDC was formed on May 17, 1986, through the coming together of various social organizations, including student and unemployed groups, to carry out a mass movement for an Autonomous State under Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution, comprising the three hill districts of Assam — Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
Terang stated that the strong mass agitation led to the signing of an MoU on April 1, 1995, with the Central and State governments, resulting in the enhancement of powers of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to 30 departments. However, he pointed out that the signing of the MoU was not the ultimate solution, as the sole objective of the movement was to achieve Autonomous Statehood under Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution.
He further stated that for the last 40 years, the struggle for Autonomous State led by the ASDC and its allies — the Karbi Students Association and Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong — has continued despite difficulties and various obstacles and that the spirit of the people associated with the ASDC has not been dampened.
Terang also mentioned the sacrifices made by the ASDC for the cause of Autonomous Statehood. Referring to the recently concluded State Assembly election, he said the official candidates of the ASDC had withdrawn their nominations after receiving written assurance from the State government that official talks on the Autonomous State demand would resume soon after the election. The ASDC had conditionally supported the BJP in the election solely for the purpose of attaining Autonomous Statehood, he added.
He urged party members and workers to strengthen the Autonomous State movement once again.
ASDC general secretary Jotson Bey also said that despite pursuing the demand for Autonomous Statehood for the last 40 years, the ASDC has not grown tired and continues its movement.
He stated that since the State government has given its assurance, the ASDC would intensify pressure for the resumption of official talks and for arranging a tripartite discussion with the Central government. He added that the ASDC would continue to lead the movement for the long-standing demand of the hill people of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
The meeting was attended by Lumbajong MAC Johnny Timung, MAC Krishna Bhattarai, Karbi traditional king Longsing Ronghang and Forum for Hill Autonomous State Movement joint convenor James Hanse.
