KAAC celebrates 72nd foundation day

DIPHU —The 72nd Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) foundation day was celebrated at Dongkamukam Sports Complex in West Karbi Anglong on Friday.

The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang attended the celebration as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Ronghang recalled the past leaders including Semson Sing Engti, Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe), Song Be, Raidang Engti, Moniram Langneh, Khorsing Terang and many more, who took pain in forming of the Council in 1952 under sixth schedule.

Urging the people of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi for cooperation the CEM said, ‘we need to work together, unite all communities and tribes for a better Karbi Anglong,’ while urging the people to continue its fight for an autonomous state, which is a long-standing demand.

The CEM said the foundation day celebration will be held at different places across Karbi Anglong.

MP Horensing Bey lauded the CEM for removing the bandh culture in Karbi Anglong.

Presently, KAAC has 30 members with 26 as elected members, which is headed by Chief Executive Member (CEM).

On the occasion, the Art & Culture department awarded several individuals for their contributions and achievements in various fields.

Sarsing Teron (Langkung Habe) Award 2023 in socio-political field was awarded to late Hundrowel Millick posthumously, Semson Sing Ingti Award 2023 in entrepreneurship and women empowerment was awarded to late Rubi Phangchopi posthumously and Khorsing Terang Award 2023 for social and art and culture was awarded to late Elisha Hanse of Lorulangso posthumously.

For CEM Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 in politics was awarded to  late Soi Soi Terang of Diphu and late Rangdang Teron of Umborbon Ulukunchi, West Karbi Anglong. The awards were given posthumously.

For CEM Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 in health was awarded to the late Kane Rongpipi of Diphu Baptist Church posthumously, while for CEM Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 in art & culture was given to late Mebel Terangpi, daughter of Rukasen, Diphu posthumously.

Also, CEM Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for art & culture was awarded to Harsing Engti of Inglongcherop, Diphu and for CEM Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 in literature was given to late Pari Rongpi of Rongthe-ang, Diphu posthumously.

The KAAC also distributed a one-time financial grant cheque of INR 50,000 to former cadres of disbanded armed outfit, viz. Karbi Longri and NC Hills Liberation Front, Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers, United People’s Liberation Army and People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri.

A book on one year achievement of KAAC ‘Peace and Development’, a coffee table book ‘Tirim Amo’, a hand crafted legacy of the Karbis  brought out by Handloom & Textiles department were released.

Earlier, in the morning the CEM hoisted the national flag followed by inauguration of series of completed schemes.