Effigies burnt in Diphu: Congress leads outcry against Dr Numal Momin’s 244 (A) remarks

A CORRESPONDENT

KHERONI: Tensions flared in Assam’s hill districts as various social organizations, political parties, and netizens voiced strong opposition to recent remarks by Dr Numal Momin, Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) and MLA from Bokajan LAC, regarding Article 244 (A). The statement, perceived as anti-Constitutional and anti-tribal by critics, has sparked widespread protests and online backlash across social media platforms.

On Tuesday afternoon, a significant demonstration took place in Diphu, in front of the Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan where effigies of Dr Numal Momin and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma were burnt in condemnation of Momin’s remarks and the alleged anti-tribal stance of the State Government. Congress leaders and workers led the protest, raising slogans such as “Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma Go Back,” “Dr Numal Momin Go Back,” “Dr Momin Anti-Tribal, Go Back,” and ‘CEM Tuliram Ronghang Murdabad.”

The protesters, spearheaded by the Karbi Anglong District Congress Committee (KA-DCC) and West Karbi Anglong District Congress Committee (WKA-DCC), later marched to submit an 11-page memorandum to the Governor of Assam through the District Commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Nirola Phangchopi. The memorandum highlighted allegations of corruption within the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) under the leadership of Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dr Tuliram Ronghang.

The protest was led by prominent Congress leaders, including Raton Engti, president of KA-DCC, Augustine Enghee, president of WKA-DCC, Ashok Teron, general secretary of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Bidyasing Rongpi, former president in-charge of KA-DCC, Jagat Sing Engti, former-MLA and general secretary of APCC, and Charisma Rongpipi, spokesperson for KA-DCC. They were joined by office bearers of KA-DCC, District Mahila Congress, District Youth Congress leaders, and numerous party workers.

The controversy stems from Dr Momin’s recent comments, which critics argue undermine the long-standing demand for greater autonomy under Article 244 (A) for the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. The protests reflect deep public discontent and a renewed push for constitutional rights and inclusive governance in the region.

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