HSDP and CPI (ML) join hands for statehood demand

From a Correspondent

DIPHU, January 8: “Despite  a decision in the 22nd amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1969 for creation of ‘state within state’ for Karbis and Dimasas, the Centre and State continue to ignore the promise made in the Parliament for the people of these two hill district. The statehood demand is a long cherished desire of the people of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao and the violation of the Constitution by the successive leaders by denying this demand has sown a seed of discord among the people of these two hill districts. Hence the HSDP, CPI (ML) and the pro–statehood forces have decided to come together in a single platform to build a joint movement for statehood,” stated a joint press release signed by former MP and CPI (ML) leader Dr. Joyanta Rongpi, former MLA  Holiram Terang and HSDP leader Jotson Bey.

The press release also attacked the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) saying that due to suppressive measures of KAAC the downtrodden people of the district were even being denied basics needs and even the provisions of the Sixth Schedule and the constitutiol provisions were being denied by the State Government in the me of raising the quality and standard of service.

“The hill people are reeling under continued uncertainties and suppression as the Assam Human Development report says that Karbi people has the highest number of people living in poverty (Assam Human Development Report 2003) and there is a flickering hope for a better tomorrow for the people of the hill district,” the release added.

“In the backdrop of this after a series of discussion with like–minded parties, we have decided to come together to build a united people’s movement for statehood to achieve this long–cherished desire of the hill people. In this context we have also decide to hold a convention in the last part of this month to bring this objective into reality,” stated the release.