HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 4: In a recent development, the Karbi Students Association (KSA) Lumding Road faction, led by president Thomson Rongpi, has raised objections against the All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC) candidate JI Kathar, alleging a violation of Karbi customary law regarding surnames.
Kathar, contesting as an independent candidate backed by APHLC for the 6– Diphu (ST) Parliamentary constituency in the upcoming second phase of elections on April 26, facing criticism for the surname used for his wife, Anjali Teronpi Kathar, as per documents including PAN Card details.
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The KSA Lumding Road and KSA Inglongpho factions have strongly condemned this, labeling it as an affront to Karbi society and its customary laws.
In this regard, a protest was organised by the KSA Lumding Road faction, drawing participation from a large number of members.
President Thomson Rongpi accused Kathar of disregarding Karbi customary laws by sharing the same clan (title) surname with his wife, which is not permitted according to tradition.
“Kathar has self appointed himself as the champion of 6th Schedule. But he himself is destroying the very essence of the 6th Schedule. As per Karbi customary laws a boy and a girl of same clan (title) cannot get married. If Jones Ingti Kathar is himself ‘Ingti Kathar’ then how can his wife also be ‘Ingti Kathar.’ He is going against the customary laws of the Karbis,” said Rongpi.
He also urged Karbi traditional heads to take disciplinary action against Kathar and called for the Election Commission of India to reject Kathar’s nomination papers.
In response, the KSA Inglongpho general secretary, George Timung, highlighted the confusion surrounding Kathar’s wife’s surname, emphasising the importance of upholding Karbi traditions.
However, APHLC’s organising secretary, Kursing Timung, defended Kathar, alleging bias in the criticism and suggesting ulterior motives by certain individuals to tarnish Kathar’s image. He pointed out similar instances in other individuals’ surnames, questioning the selective targeting of Kathar.
