A CORRESPONDENT
KHERONI: The Forum for Hills Autonomous State Movement (FHASM) organized a significant discussion session titled ‘In-depth Discussion on Article 244 (A)’ under the motto ‘United for Autonomous State.’ The event took place at the Sarsing Teron Langkung Habe Memorial Town Hall in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, drawing a distinguished gathering of indigenous leaders, intellectuals, and community representatives.
The session was graced by the presence of notable figures, including the Traditional Karbi King Longsing Ronghang (Karbi Recho) alongside Dr Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). Other prominent attendees included Raju Tisso, Speaker, KAAC, Avijit Kro, Deputy Speaker of KAAC, as well as Executive Members (EMs), Members of Autonomous Council (MACs), and Board Chairpersons. The event also saw the participation of esteemed former leaders such as Dr Jayanta Rongpi, former MP and CEM, Horen Sing Bey, former MP, and Jotsong Bey, former CEM, along with James Hanse, President of the All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC). Representatives from the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) and Karbi Students Association (KSA), including Joint Convenor Peter Tisso, General Secretary of the Forum for Hills Autonomous State Movement joined other dignitaries in this historic gathering.
The discussion centered on the long-standing demand for the implementation of Article 244 (A) of the Indian Constitution, which promises greater autonomy for the hill regions of Assam. Participants engaged in a broad and reflective dialogue on the historical struggles tied to this cause. Key movements highlighted included the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) efforts since 1986, the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) Peace Accord from 1999 to 2011, the Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State (JACAS) Movement between 2013 and 2017, and the ongoing Six Militants Struggles from 1999 to the present day. The session also revisited the significance of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2019, which remains a pivotal point in the autonomy discourse.
Speakers emphasized that the dream of an Autonomous State for Karbi Anglong (West /East), Dima Hasao and its indigenous communities Karbi, Dimasa, and others requires unity, sincerity, courage, and unwavering commitment. “This is not just a political goal but a shared vision for our future,” one speaker noted, urging all communities to rise above political differences and organizational agendas. The session underscored the need for a collective effort, free from individual or partisan motives, to achieve this long-cherished aspiration.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, stressing that the path to autonomy lies in solidarity. Organizers and attendees expressed hope that this discussion would mark a turning point in galvanizing support and momentum for the implementation of Article 244 (A), ensuring a brighter future for the hill regions and their people.
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