HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 11: In a unified show of determination, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), Karbi Nimso Chinthur Asong (KNCA), a prominent Karbi women’s organisation, and the Karbi Students Association (KSA) conducted a sit-in demonstration in front of Semson Sing Ingti Memorial Park on Friday. This collective action was undertaken to address the non-implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian constitution and the ongoing unresolved border issue. The groups also submitted a memorandum to Union home minister Amit Shah, highlighting their concerns.
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Participating in the demonstration, Jotson Bey, the general secretary of the parties and former chief executive member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), emphasised the unified stance of ASDC, KSA, and KNCA. Their demand centers around the establishment of an autonomous state under the provisions of Article 244(A) of the Indian constitution. They expressed disappointment over successive central governments’ failure to implement this article for the hill districts of Assam, encompassing Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and NC Hills.
Bey noted that the BJP party, prior to assuming power, had committed to implementing Article 244(A) if they formed the government at the center. The current BJP-led NDA government is now urged to fulfill this commitment and take steps towards its implementation.
The demonstration also highlighted the pressing need to resolve inter-state and inter-district boundaries in Karbi Anglong. The party’s general secretary criticised the Assam government for its lack of initiative in addressing the border issue. The encroachment of Karbi Anglong land by individuals from Meghalaya, Hojai district, Nagaon district, and Nagaland was particularly concerning. The protestors called for decisive action against encroachers and a cessation of the “give and take” policy by the government.
The Election Commission of India’s proposal for delimitation of a new Legislative Assembly constituency in West Karbi Anglong was also critiqued. This proposal led to the inclusion of specific areas within Hojai and Roha LACs. As part of the delimitation process, the new proposed LAC was named Amri LAC, effectively splitting the present Baithalangso LAC. Such developments underscore the ongoing challenges in the region’s administrative and political landscape.
As these concerns take center stage, ASDC, KNCA, and KSA’s joint action serves as a platform to advocate for meaningful solutions that address the aspirations and well-being of the people of Karbi Anglong.
