Karbi delegation calls for dialogue

EMN DIMAPUR, AUGUST 6 A six-member delegation representing concerned citizens of Karbi Anglong and Ex-KSA forum met Governor of Assam, J.B. Patnaik, and apprised him about the prevailing situation of Karbi Anglong at the Raj Bhawan, Guwahati this evening.They urged him to direct the State Government for an urgent political solution for creating a Karbi State by formally inviting the agitators for talks formally to find out solution to their demands immediately for granting a State without further delay. A memorandum listing seven concrete demands for restoring peace and normalcy in the Hill district, was also submitted by them. The delegation reiterated in the memorandum that the current agitation by the public of Karbi Anglong for statehood was a spontaneous outburst of pent-up anger caused by betrayal by the successive governments and non-performance of present set of elected public representatives time and again. Unfortunately, the delegation admitted, the agitators were not under the direction and control of any single organization. The agitators must be allowed to be under proper guidance and control to prevent recurrence of violence. Therefore, the arrested leaders must be released immediately to allow democratic and peaceful agitation. No further arrests should be made by the government. This is essential for restoration of peace, safety be made by the government. This is essential for restoration of peace, safety and normalcy, the memorandum said. The delegation also requested that adequate financial compensation of about Rs.20 lakhs be given to the next of kin of Rahul Singnar who left a very young widow and an infant girl of seven months old. Rahul was only a poor tribal petty shop-keeper and was returning home after closing his shop and in no way had any role in the agitation. The Government must arrange bringing up and education of the child in proper Karbi atmosphere. Adequate financial grant ranging from Rs.5 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs must be granted to the very seriously injured persons due to police firing. As per the opinion of attending surgeons major surgical operations will be required immediately if they are to be enabled to walk again, the memorandum noted. There are many persons, both male and female. who were injured by police lathi-charge and stamped on. (There are a number of instances when people were shot at from the back violating all norms of controlling law and order.) They also require proper medical treatment. The delegation has demanded of the State Government to provide financial grant ranging from Rs.50,000/- to Rs.100,000/- to them for the same. A further demand was that the government must sanction adequate funds for proper repair, remodeling and reconstruction of the government buildings damaged by the agitators, or dilapidated due to non-occupation and non-utilization, and to occupy and use them forthwith. The repair and reconstruction works must be done under strict supervision of the Accountant General, Assam. The govt. officers and staff must be compelled to reside in their headquarters. The ongoing demand for statehood is very much a democratic and rightful demand and is very much within the frame work of Indian Constitution and barring recent incidences the agitation has remained peaceful and inclusive. Therefore, deployment of army against the agitators who are not militants, is uncalled for and counter-productive. In the interest of a peaceful solution Army should be withdrawn immediately, the memorandum emohasized.. The memorandum was signed by Chairman, Ex-KSA Forum, Jones Ingti Kathar, IAS (Retd) and Spokesman Hanu Ram Engti, three ex-KSA members Ratul Teron, Keshav Timung, Jamse Hanse and Dr.Jayanta Rongpi, Ex-MP,Lok Sabha. The Governor on his part assured the delegates to take up the matter with the State government.