HT Bureau
DIPHU, May 2: A coalition of Karbi civil society organisations has strongly opposed certain provisions of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the Government of Assam and Kuki groups on March 15, 2026, particularly those related to the proposed creation of a Kuki Regional Council in Karbi Anglong.
The organisations include the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), Karbi Lamet Amei (KLA), Karbi Students Association (KSA), Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA), Karbi Anglong Women Justice Forum (KAWJF), Joint Action Committee of Autonomous State (JACAS), Hills Tribal League (HTL), Karbi Anglong Rong Asar Amei (KARAA), Karbi Rong Asar Amei (KRAA), Rasija Asong, All India Karbi Students Union (AIKSU), Karbi Film Society (KFS), Karbi Employees Association (KEA), Karbi Unemployed Youth Association (KUYA) and All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC).
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At a joint press conference held at the KCS Central Committee office in Taralangso on Saturday, KCS president Humsing Bey said the primary objection lies in the exclusion of Karbi political leadership and civil society from the negotiation process.
“The Karbi people were completely ignored in an accord that directly concerns Karbi Anglong’s land and polity,” Bey stated. “The Assam Government cannot and should not represent the Karbi community without its explicit consent. This domineering approach is unacceptable and will be strongly resisted.”
The organisations collectively demanded the immediate removal of all clauses in the agreement that pertain to Karbi Anglong, warning that failure to do so would trigger “strong democratic mass resistance.”
They also accused the state government of undermining the autonomy granted under the Sixth Schedule. “We are a peace-loving people, but we urge the government to refrain from actions that provoke tension and threaten our political and social stability,” Bey added.
Calling for vigilance, the groups urged residents of Karbi Anglong to remain alert against any developments that could compromise the region’s territorial integrity, unity and autonomy.
Bey further highlighted the ecological and cultural significance of the Singhason and Khonbamon hills, describing them as the “lungs of East Karbi Anglong.” He noted that these hills are the source of major rivers and are critical to maintaining biodiversity, water security and livelihoods in the region.
“These landscapes are not just ecological assets but also hold deep cultural and ancestral value for the Karbi people,” he said, opposing any attempt to extend the accord to these areas.
The organisations also raised concerns over environmental degradation due to deforestation and unregulated human activities. They stressed the need for stronger conservation measures and community participation to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure sustainable development in East Karbi Anglong.
