HT Bureau
DIPHU, Nov 15: The former Karbi Students Association (KSA) leaders and members have come together in an alumni meet at Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Memorial Town Hall here on Friday, taking time to celebrate the joy and share their past experiences.
The meet was organised under the initiative of James Hanse as chairman and Bireshor Hanse as convenor.
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Sharing the history associated with the KSA and the autonomous state movement in the late 80s, the CEM said, “In 1986, I was still a student and was involved in the autonomous state movement and in the KSA as well. During that time the two movement organisations, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) and Karbi Anglong & NC Hills Autonomous State Demand Committee (KAANCHASDCOM), were rivals. As I was under the leadership of Keshop Terang and the ASDC leaders were against us.”
He added, “When the KSA got split, we were in Diphu defending the KSA central executive committee office. There were scuffles between the leaders of the two factions of the KSA and I was also victimised.”
The CEM also recalled the opposition from ASDC in one of the gatherings at Dongkamukam during the autonomous state movement. He also reiterated his participation in the hunger strike in New Delhi, ‘rail rokho’ and other agitational programmes. He was one of the leaders in KSA West Karbi Anglong Sub-Centre, Ronghang said.
Advising the KSA to be an independent organisation, the CEM said, “KSA should be a non-political organisation. I have never misused KSA for my political benefit. I always advised the KSA leaders to be independent and not to be under the dictate of any political party. The ASDC and CPI (ML) have their own KSA wings. But the KSA – Inglongpho has so far maintained neutrality and kept check and balance. KSA – Inglongpho is bold enough to point out the mistakes of the government and I appreciate them for this.”
Speaking of the Autonomous State movement, the CEM urged people to support the Autonomous State movement led by KAANCHASDCOM. The CEM said, “It is not the ASDC nor CPI (ML) or BJP, but the autonomous state movement led by Ajit Timung and Sing Timung under the banner of KAANCHASDCOM, KSA, KARSA and KRA. Political parties first think for their benefit, but leaders like Ajit Timung and Sing Timung have dedicated their whole lives to the cause of Autonomous State. They are genuine leaders and people should support them.”
The CEM appreciated the initiative taken by persons like James Hanse, Bireshor Hanse, and his team for organising the alumni meet, where all the former KSA members after a separation of many years could come together to enjoy, celebrate and share past experiences.
The CEM also informed that during the three-day 73rd Karbi Anglong Day celebration commemorating the creation of erstwhile North Cachar and Mikir hills district, on November 16, 17, and 18 here at Taralangso, the chief minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma will be invited as the chief guest.
“We have block – I and block – II inter-state border issues with Meghalaya, which need to be resolved. For this we are inviting the chief minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma,” the CEM said.
Delegates from the sixth scheduled autonomous councils of Northeast India, i.e Garo Autonomous Council, Khasi Autonomous Council, Jyantia Autonomous Council, Chakma Autonomous Council, Tripuri Autonomous Council and Hmar Autonomous Councils have also been invited to showcase their culture and tradition.
Among the alumni attending the meet were the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang; District Commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Nirola Phangchopi, ACS; Executive Member (EM), KAAC, Madhuram Lekthe; Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Johnny Timung; Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASCOM) president Ajit Timung, general secretary Sing Timung and many prominent figures associated with the KSA.
The alumni meet was presided over by James Hanse, convenor of the Alumni Meet. For KSA leaders and members who have achieved in various fields were felicitated with an appreciation letter from the organiser. Among them, the CEM and DC Nirola Phangchopi also received appreciation letters for their achievement in their respective fields.
A souvenir ‘Inglongpho’ brought out by the organiser was also released on the occasion.
