A CORRESPONDENT
KHERONI: A delegation comprising representatives from the Karbi Anglong-Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASDCOM) including its President Ajit Timunga and General Secretary Sing Timung, Karbi Students’ Association (KSA)’s President Mirjeng Kro and General Secretary George Timung, Dimasa Students Union (DSU) represented by President Sidut Naiding and General Secretary Pramith Sengyung, along with Members of Parliament Amarsing Tisso, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Dr Numal Momin (Bokajan), Dorsing Ronghang (Howraghat), Bidya Sing Engleng (Diphu), Rupsing Teron (Baithalangso), and Nandita Gorlosa (Haflong), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Members (CEM) Dr Tuliram Ronghang and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa in Assam, and their allies, submitted a memorandum to Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. The memorandum calls for the introduction of a Government Bill in Parliament to expedite the implementation of Article 244 (A) of the Indian Constitution.
The delegation’s primary demand is the immediate creation of an autonomous state encompassing the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao regions within Assam, as promised under Article 244 (A). This constitutional provision allows for the establishment of an autonomous state with its own legislature or council of ministers, or both, granting greater autonomy over governance, law and order, and financial matters compared to the existing framework under the Sixth Schedule. The submission of the memorandum follows a series of advocacy efforts by the groups, including a recent trip to Delhi where they sought meetings with top government officials. The demand for autonomy in Assam’s hill districts has been a long-standing issue, tracing back to the 1950s, with renewed urgency in recent years.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, a representative emphasized the need for swift action, stating, “The people of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao have waited decades for the fulfilment of this constitutional promise. We urge the Government of India to introduce a Bill in Parliament without delay to ensure justice and self-governance for our communities.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, known for his proactive approach to infrastructure development, received the memorandum amid his busy schedule, addressing the regional issues. While no official response has been issued yet, the delegation expressed hope that their plea would be taken up with the seriousness it deserves. The move has garnered attention across the region, with supporters arguing that an autonomous state would empower local governance and address longstanding developmental and administrative challenges in the region. The outcome of this appeal now rests on the central government’s next steps as pressure mounts for the implementation of Article 244 (A).
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