Correspondents
MAILOO/DIPHU, Jul 29: A coalition of organizations, led by the Karbi Anglong Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASDCOM), held a three-hour sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar today, demanding the immediate introduction of a ‘Government Bill’ to implement Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution for the hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. The protesters also urged the government to table an ‘Autonomous State Bill’ in the ongoing parliament session.
Article 244 (A) of the Indian Constitution, inserted by the 22nd Amendment in 1969, empowers Parliament to form an autonomous state within the state of Assam, specifically for certain tribal areas. This article allows for the creation of a local legislature or Council of Ministers, or both, within this autonomous state, defining their powers and functions.
Despite heavy rainfall, the demonstrators remained steadfast, raising slogans such as “No Autonomous State, No Rest!” to emphasize their resolve. The protest saw active participation of leaders and representatives from various groups, including the KADHASDCOM, Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), Karbi Adorbar, Dimasa Students’ Union, KRA, KARSA, KUYA, JNH and others.
Addressing the gathering, KADHASDCOM President Ajit Timung accused the government of offering only hollow assurances while failing to take any concrete steps. He emphasized the urgency of a sincere and time-bound implementation of Article 244(A) to safeguard the political and developmental rights of the indigenous hill communities.
In a notable absence, none of the elected representatives from the three districts joined the protest. Lone Lok Sabha MP Amarsing Tisso, representing the hill districts, also did not engage with the demonstrators, citing his presence in the ongoing Parliament session as the reason.
The protest concluded with a strong message to the government that the demand for an autonomous state under Article 244(A) remains non-negotiable and will continue to be raised until fulfilled.