HT Correspondent
KHERONI, June 14: A major controversy has erupted in Hawaipur Jirim Bazar, one of the oldest markets in West Karbi Anglong, following allegations of land encroachment and mismanagement by the newly formed Hawaipur Jirim Bazar Committee under the Donka Revenue Circle.
The development has triggered widespread resentment among local residents and threatens the communal harmony in the region, home to Gorkha, Bengali, Hindi-speaking, Karbi, Dimasa, and other communities.
Yam Prasad Ghimire, a local resident and social worker, alleged that his father, Hari Prasad Ghimire, had donated 12 bighas of land for the establishment of the market before the formation of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
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Expressing concern over the current situation, Ghimire stated, “This is the first time disharmony has been created in the bazar area. The committee’s actions have disrupted the peace we’ve maintained for decades.”
He appealed to KAAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang to dissolve the present committee and initiate a transparent investigation.
The centre of the dispute is Bronson Kramsa, President of the newly formed bazar committee and brother of Sarthe Kramsa, Forest Board Chairman, KAAC.
Former Secretary of the market committee, Ajit Das, accused Bronson of attempting to forcibly occupy land for the construction of a committee office with the support of non-local residents, without consulting local stakeholders.
He also pointed out that Arun Kanti Das had paid land revenue (khajana) for the disputed land until 1984, refuting Bronson’s claim that current residents were illegal encroachers.
The formation of the new committee has been criticised for its lack of transparency.
Though the KAAC approved the committee under the Karbi Anglong Market (Management and Control) Act, 1954, for the financial year 2025–26 (vide Memo No KAAC/TAX/Hawaipur Jirim Bazar Committee/21-22/7765(iii) dated 29/05/2025), locals allege it was formed unilaterally under Bronson’s leadership.
The process reportedly excluded public input and elected members like Ajit Das and Ajay Das, and instead included Bronson’s close associates such as Assistant Secretary Longkiri Kramsa, Treasurer Ananda Kramsa, and Member Secretary Doloi Terange, Inspector of Taxes, KAAC.
Former committee members accused the current leadership of violating KAAC rules and by-laws by attempting to establish a market office without public consultation and creating a tense environment in the area.
The Kramsa family’s past involvement in land, sand, and timber-related disputes has further heightened public apprehension over their growing influence in local governance.
Ajit Das has called upon the KAAC CEM, who also heads the Taxation Department, to personally investigate the actions of the current committee and ensure fairness in market administration.
Residents fear that the ongoing conflict could disrupt the market’s legacy as a vital economic centre and deepen communal divides in the region.
