HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 7: Criticism continues to mount against Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin over his recent remarks on Article 244(A), with several regional organisations demanding an apology and accusing him of adopting contradictory political positions.
At a joint press conference held at the Karbi Students Association (KSA) Central Executive Committee office in Rongthe-ang on Thursday, the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASDCOM), along with its allied bodies — KSA, Karbi Riso Adorbar (KRA), Karbi So-arlo Amei (KARSA), and Dimasa Students Union (DSU) — strongly condemned Momin’s recent comments.
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The controversy stems from Momin’s statement during a visit to Kekang Adong polling station under Bokajan LAC, where he said that Karbi Anglong has received “more than what Article 244(A) offers.”
Referring to the region’s current infrastructure, including a medical college, law college, engineering, agriculture, and veterinary colleges, he argued that Article 244(A) does not explicitly guarantee such institutions.
“If we go behind Article 244(A), the loss will be ours,” he said while speaking to the media.
KADHASDCOM president Ajit Timung called the remarks “unfortunate and condemnable,” alleging that Momin is engaging in dual politics.
“He had earlier signed a memorandum submitted to the Union Home Minister supporting the Autonomous State demand. Now he is contradicting that position,” Timung said.
He urged elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), to remain consistent and committed to the demand for an Autonomous State under Article 244(A).
“There is a clear difference between the powers of an Autonomous Council and the provisions under Article 244(A). These should not be confused,” he added.
KSA vice president George Timung questioned Momin’s stance, alleging inconsistency.
“Sometimes he supports the Autonomous State, and at other times he appears to reject it. The people deserve clarity,” he said.
Timung further accused Momin of promoting divisive politics by advocating a separate satellite regional council for other communities under Article 244(2).
“In 2018, he submitted a memorandum to the Governor seeking such a council. That move reflects a divide-and-rule strategy, which is unacceptable,” he said.
DSU president Shivraj Hasnu also expressed concern over the remarks, echoing calls for accountability.
KSA general secretary Barnabas Killing demanded a public apology from Momin, stating that a leader holding constitutional office should refrain from making comments that may hurt public sentiment.
“If he fails to apologise, the KSA will initiate stronger forms of protest,” he warned.
