HT Bureau
DIPHU, Nov 17: The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) celebrated the 74th Karbi Anglong Day today at Taralangso with enthusiasm, vibrant cultural spirit and reverence for the region’s historic journey.
The celebration honoured the sacrifices and struggles of past leaders while showcasing the progress and development witnessed over the decades.
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The celebration began with the ceremonial flag hoisting in front of the Sertalin Auditorium by Chief Guest Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of KAAC, followed by the solemn garlanding of portraits of past leaders who laid the foundation for autonomy and development in Karbi Anglong.
Past leaders Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) and Semson Sing Ingti, the founder president and secretary respectively of the erstwhile Karbi Adorbar; Moniram Teron Langne, David Long Inghi, Song Bey, Bonglong Terang, Kabon Neli Timungpi Khongmen, Raidang Ingti, Soisoi Terang, Joysing Doloi, Barelong Terang and several other leaders were honoured.
An open session was held to highlight the sacrifice and contribution of past leaders in the formation of the present Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts and the constitution of the Karbi Anglong District Council (now KAAC).
The session began with an opening song performed by employees of KAAC.
Principal Secretary of KAAC, Mukul Kr Saikia, delivered the welcome address, presenting the historical journey from the formation of the Mikir Hills District Council in 1951 to the present-day Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and its contributions to governance, identity and development.
He said the KAAC, with its present team of dedicated officials and staff, is working tirelessly to bring development to the people.
He called for a stronger work culture for greater progress in the district.
The CEM, in his address, said, “Karbi Anglong Day marks the moment in history when the Mikir Hills District was officially created on 17 November 1951, giving the Karbi people, for the first time in many centuries, a chance to live under a single administration.”
He added, “The truth is that the Karbi hills were once a single, homogenous region inhabited by our people across the central ranges of the Northeast. But over centuries, due to forced occupation by neighbouring powers, wars and administrative divisions, the Karbi people were separated politically. The Karbis were under the Ahoms at certain times, under the Kacharis, under the Nagas and under the Jaintia kingdom — not by choice, but by circumstance.”
He further said, “Since 1951, Karbi Anglong has grown, developed and transformed. We today have two districts, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, and in the future we may have more, just as the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Mizo Hills and Naga Hills evolved into several districts. What keeps them together is the unifying structure of their statehood or their autonomous councils.”
He stated that the Amri, Chinthong and Rongkhang areas came under the Jaintia Raja only due to occupation. Yet, even then, the Karbis preserved their culture, traditions and systems of self-governance.
When the British arrived, they found Karbis spread across a wide region — from the Garo Hills in the west to the Patkai in the east and even to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra — with the largest population in the Mikir Hills of Nowgong, Sibsagar and the Jaintia Hills.
Recalling the contributions of past Karbi leaders, he said that when India was preparing for Independence, Karbi leaders like Samsonsing Ingti, Khorsing Terang, Sarsing Teron, Chatrasing Teron and many others submitted memoranda demanding that the Karbi people be united under one administration.
Unlike other tribes who sought separation from India, the Karbi leaders asked only for unity, protection and development within Assam.
KAAC Advisor Alwin Teron reflected on the socio-political conditions of Karbi Anglong before and after Independence, paying tribute to the leadership that fought for constitutional safeguards and autonomy.
He emphasised the continued aspirations of the people and the significance of Article 244(A).
Twenty leaders who have passed away were felicitated along with their family members.
The event was graced by guest of honour Amarsing Tisso, MP; Raju Tisso, chairman, KAAC; Abhijit Kro, deputy chairman, KAAC; MLAs, EMs and MACs; Karbi traditional king Longsing Ronghang; District Commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Nirola Phangchopi, ACS; Padma Shri Dhaneswar Engti; and several senior officials and dignitaries.
