HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 29: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, has assured the Karbis living in the plain districts of Assam that he will discuss the safeguarding of their land and political rights with the state government.
Ronghang made this statement while attending the concluding day of the three-day 22nd Domahi – Rong Aje festival at the Karbi Cultural Complex, Phong Ari, Chamata, Kamrup Metro, and last Sunday.
The Karbis of the plain districts in Assam organized the annual Domahi – Rong Aje festival. The 22nd Domahi – Rong Aje commenced on April 26 and concluded on April 28.
Participating in the festival, the CEM emphasised that Karbis living in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, the plain districts of Assam, and those in Karbi Anglong share the same culture, language, and tradition, calling for unity.
“Wherever Karbis reside, whether in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, the plain districts of Assam, or Karbi Anglong, we speak the same language and share the same culture and tradition. We should all be united,” Ronghang stated.
Addressing the land problem and recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, Ronghang mentioned Clause 3.5 of MoS 2021, which discusses conferring ST (H) status to Karbis living outside the KAAC area in Assam, and Clause 3.6, which suggests setting up a welfare council for the focused development of Karbis living outside the KAAC area.
He also assured that he would take up the matter with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ensure the protection of their land and rights.
Furthermore, he expressed his intention to discuss with the CM the allocation of land for the cultural complex.
Ronghang emphasised that establishing a satellite council for Karbis living outside Karbi Anglong is the ultimate solution to protect their lands, political rights, cultural, and social identity.
Among the dignitaries present were Demoria Karbi traditional king Holising Ronghang, Dispur MLA Atul Bora, Karbi Cultural Society president Chandra Sing Kro, director of District Health Service, Assam Dr. Umesh Phangcho, executive member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council Pronob Jyoti Masrong, Jaba Engtipi, Gunaram Teron, and BJP MP candidate from Guwahati Bijuli Kalita Medhi.
