ASDC, APHLC in Karbi Anglong pledges to work together for autonomous state

Our Correspondent
Diphu, July 27 (EMN): In a major political development in Karbi Anglong, the leaders of All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) and Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) have agreed to work together for the demand of Autonomous state issue and strengthening of Sixth Schedule in the three hill districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao in Assam.

In a joint press conference held at the central committee office of ASDC on Tuesday, the president of ASDC, Chandra Kanta Terang announced that both the organisations will work together and will soon constitute the forum to fulfil the Autonomous state issue under Article 244 (A) of the Indian constitution and strengthen the Sixth Schedule. Terang also informed that the main aim of the ASDC is to unite all pro-autonomy forces to defeat the anti- autonomous forces.

Terang further said, ‘In these times of political crisis the people are anticipating the regional forces and other like-minded social organisations to work together for the interest of the hill people. It is with this aim the ASDC and APHLC has come to an understanding to work together’. He informed that as one forum, the organisations will jointly celebrate the International Indigenous Day at Diphu Club on August 9. He urged the leaders of youth, women organisations and various farmers’ organisations to celebrate the day together’.

Meanwhile, APHLC President, Jones Ingti Kathar said, ‘Though BJP is a strong party, it has failed to address the Autonomous state issue’.

“At one time the ASDC was also a strong force as part of KAAC with MLAs and MP, but it could not do much. The BJP is more powerful now, but with the power, they could do nothing. The development works in Karbi Anglong will be supervised by the DC, which shows the power and functions of KAAC are being surrendered to the state government”, Kathar said.

Kathar further stated, ‘There should an election cell in KAAC and elections should be conducted as per the Sixth Schedule provision and not the Panchayati Act. During the regime of ASDC government in KAAC there was a development among the tribals. However, despite receiving abundant funds even the 2km road from Diphu town towards Diphu Hills Medical College still remains in a deplorable condition under the leadership of BJP-led KAAC’.