HT Bureau
DIPHU, Oct 27: In a new development within the Karbi Students Association (KSA) in Karbi Anglong, the much-anticipated unification of various KSA factions under the initiative of Karbi Rong Asar Amei (KRAA) has been achieved. Leaders and members of the five KSA factions, after resolving all differences, unanimously agreed to unify in a meeting held at the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) central committee office in Taralangso on Saturday. This positive development follows months of intensive meetings led by KRAA members, with support from the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), Karbi Lammet Amei (KLA), and former KSA leaders and members.
In the meeting, leaders and members from the five factions of KSA — KSA Inglongpho, KSA Lumding Road led by president Thomson Rongpi, the KSA faction under president Jemson Timung, the KSA faction led by president Samson Teron, and the KSA faction led by president Sumit Timung — attended. Addressing the media, KRAA president Dhormosing Teron informed that elections for the positions of president and general secretary will be held on November 24 to establish a new KSA body. Two hundred electors, including 50 each from KCS, KLA, and KRAA, and 10 members from each KSA faction, will have voting rights in the election.
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For conducting the election, a presidium comprising the five presidents and five secretaries will act as conveners. The five presidents will be candidates for the position of president, and the five general secretaries will be candidates for secretary, with an election officer also appointed, Teron further informed.
The KRAA commended the continuous support from former KSA leaders and members in facilitating the unification process. It also praised the leaders of various KSA factions for heeding KRAA’s advice and agreeing to the unification, which they believe will mark a historic moment for Karbi society.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the ex-KSA body, James Hanse expressed his heartfelt gratitude, appreciating the tireless efforts of village headmen under KRAA who united the fragmented KSA. He also lauded the collective efforts of KCS, KLA, and the ex-KSA body in making this unification a reality.
Thomson Rongpi stated that KSA is one of the oldest organisations in Karbi society, founded in 1959 with Gandhiram Timung as the founding president and Pratap Chandra Tokbi as the founding general secretary. “KSA is the backbone of Karbi society. Though respected by all, it became fragmented due to differences in ideas and leadership. The KSA has been used by various forces, including political leaders and influential figures, for personal gain.”
“It is the right time and the need of the hour to unite all factions of KSA for the cause of Karbi society. I strongly support KSA unity,” Rongpi stated, emphasising that leaders and members should put aside past differences to build a strong, unified body.
Rongpi also opined that KSA should be an independent body after unification, allowing it to operate freely without external influence or pressure.
KSA Inglongpho general secretary George Timung also affirmed the unification, stating that KSA Inglongpho is now part of the unified body. “The five factions of KSA have finally reconciled and will henceforth operate as a single entity,” Timung said.
