PDCK chairman Songbijit Ingti Kathar expresses happiness on PM’s visit
HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 29: The six armed organisations that have signed the peace accord with the state and Central government, have expressed happiness on the visit of the Prime Minister at Loringthepi in Karbi Anglong district on April 28 and said the Central government is on the path of implementing the clauses of the accord.
The dreaded former insurgent leader and chairman of the People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Sarsing alias Songbijit Ingti Kathar after the rally at Loringthepi said, “We are very happy as the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has come here himself. More than 2,000 former cadres and leaders of six armed organisations are present here. There are a total of 36 big projects mentioned in the accord and the government will take up the projects. The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for three major projects as mentioned in the MoS and we are hopeful that the other projects will also be implemented.”
He further said, “There are more than 5 lakhs Karbis living outside Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao and for them, ST status should be granted. As they don’t enjoy the ST status and they face problems competing with the advanced communities for jobs and admission for higher studies. Clause 3.5 of the MoS is mentioned for granting of ST status to the Karbis living outside the hill districts.”
He also said though there is no mention of Autonomous State in the MoS, the character of being an Autonomous State is there in the clauses. A Sainik School which is only one in each state, but another one will be set-up in Karbi Anglong. A full-fledged University will also come up. The demand for an Autonomous State has not stopped and will extend support to the movement organisations.
Regarding withdrawal of cases, he said there are criminal cases pending in the court. If all criminal cases are still pending then the signing of the peace agreement will be meaningless. There are cases pending with the state government and cases related to the NIA. The state government has agreed to withdraw all criminal cases very soon. Discussion with NIA to withdraw cases are also on.
Former publicity secretary of the disbanded armed organisation (Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Rijak Dera who was also present at the Prime Minister’s visit on Thursday also expresses his appreciation on the Prime Minister’s visit and said there is full hope on the Prime Minister that he will implement all the clauses in the MoS.
He also said the setting up of Agriculture and Veterinary colleges and Degree College has brought education to our doorstep which will greatly benefit the youths. Due to financial constraints, many talented students could not go outside to pursue higher education, but now they can study here.
Regarding withdrawal of cases, Dera said the Government of Assam has already placed the pending cases in the High Court. A notice will come to the deputy commissioner’s office and from the DC office will reach the CJM and the court will send notice to all police stations for withdrawal of non-heinous crimes.
It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister virtually laid the foundations for the construction of the College of Veterinary Science at Manja in Karbi Anglong and College of Agriculture at Kolonga and Model Government College at Umpanai, both in West Karbi Anglong and later addressed Peace, Unity and Development Rally at Loringthepi. The Prime Minister also launched the statewide Amrit Sarovars scheme for Assam for water conservation and livelihood generation.
