KAACA 2.0: CM champions Karbi indigenous faith and culture

A CORRESPONDENT

KHERONI: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his two-day visit to Karbi Anglong, participated in a series of significant engagements aimed at preserving and promoting the indigenous faith and culture of the Karbi community. The highlight of the visit was the massive Karbi Aronbarim Armu Chingrum Ameipi (KAACA) 2.0 event, held at Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso, Diphu, which drew over one lakh attendees.

Addressing the historic gathering, CM Sarma started with the theme ‘NIM ISI, NING ISI’ (‘One Religion, One Identity’), and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Karbi heritage from external influences and passing it on to the youth. “It should be our constant endeavour to protect these from external influences, and a duty to pass on this legacy to our youth, who must understand and embrace their real heritage & history,” he said.

To further this mission, the Assam CM announced the construction of ‘Rongker Shed’ in every village to promote Karbi religious and cultural practices. He also announced Rs 10 crore for a Theological Centre for Aron Barim Chingrum Amei to facilitate annual events like KAACA, and Rs 10,000 one-time financial assistance to each Pujari to support their role in preserving indigenous faith.

The Assam Government established the Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith & Culture to promote and preserve indigenous traditions across Assam. The CM also invited participants to perform the Karbi traditional dance at Surusojai Stadium, Guwahati, to showcase their cultural heritage.

Earlier in the day, CM Sarma met representatives of local organizations at Kajir Ronghangpi Guest House, Taralangso, to discuss the 125th Amendment Bill, which seeks to enhance the autonomy of Sixth Schedule areas. He noted that while most Sixth Schedule areas in Northeast India have given their consent, Tripura’s recommendations are still pending, delaying the bill’s presentation in Parliament. He expressed hope that it would be tabled in the upcoming session.

While addressing media queries, Dr Sarma clarified that the Karbi communities in Assam’s plains districts are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) Hills but have not yet been issued ST (Hills) caste certificates. He assured that, after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the authority of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), these certificates would be issued. Additionally, he announced that a bill to establish the Karbi Welfare Autonomous Council for the plains district Karbi community will be introduced in September.

The KAACA 2.0 event, aimed at uniting followers and well-wishers of the Karbi Indigenous Faith, was a vibrant celebration of the community’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including KAAC Chief Executive Member Dr Tuliram Ronghang, MP Amarsing Tisso, Assam cabinet ministers Nandita Gorlosa and Jogen Mohan, MLA Bidya Sing Engleng (Diphu), MLA Dorsing Ronghang (Howraghat), KAAC Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Karbi Recho, Executive Members, MACs, and other district leaders.

The massive turnout and enthusiastic participation underscored the deep-rooted support for preserving the Karbi indigenous faith and identity. The Assam government’s initiatives signal a strong commitment to empowering the Karbi community and ensuring their cultural legacy thrives for generations to come.

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