Karbi organisations demand Article 244(A) in peace agreement

Our Correspondent
Diphu, Feb. 24 (EMN): A conglomeration of civil societies in Karbi Anglong has demanded for implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution in the peace agreement which is likely to be signed between the militant organisations namely Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), United People’s Liberation Army (UPLA), Karbi People’s Liberation Tiger (KPLT) and People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK) with the state and central governments during the visit of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 25.

“Convening Committee for Unification (CCU), Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State (JACAS), Karbi Students’ Organisation (KSO) and several others welcome the militant organisations by laying down of arms at Guwahati on February 23. We congratulate leaders and cadres of all the militant organisations on their eschewing violence to join the mainstream society. In this regard, on February 25 peace accord is going to be signed by the recently surrendered militant organisations in a massive rally at Nurak Aklam, Dengaon, Karbi Anglong. But, settlement without the long standing demand of the hills people i.e. Article 244(A) to the Constitution of India is not acceptable by the people. If Union Home Minister Amit Shah fails to declare Autonomous State, then a massive full scale democratic movement for Autonomous State will commence from February 26”, stated by Saising Rongpi.

“It is a fact that implementation of Article 244(A) of the constitution has been the poll promise by the BJP since 2008. So, if the BJP fail to declared on February 25 on creation of Autonomous State, comprising Karbi Anglong (bifurcated in 2016) and Dima Hasao or if the accord does not reflect the fulfilment of the political aspiration of hills people, then the BJP District Committee of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao along with Team Karbi Anglong shall be held responsible for betrayal to the hills people. Soon full scale democratic mass movement for autonomous statehood shall commenced from February 26, 2021,” said JACAS chairman Khorsing Teron during a press conference at KSA’s office in Diphu on Tuesday.

For a permanent peace to prevail in Karbi Anglong, implementation of Article 244(A) must be included in the peace settlement, stated convenor of 24+ organisation Litsong Rongphar said in a press conference held at Semson Sing Ingti Memorial Park on Tuesday.

Earlier, Organisation Conclave (comprising of 25 organisations) also held a press conference at District Press Club of Karbi Anglong (DPCKA) on Tuesday in this regard. Stating that they have warmly welcomed the militant organisations for laying down arms recently, they insisted that peace agreement must cover Article 244(A) for a permanent peace in the hill districts.

CAP: Leaders of Karbi organisations speak to media persons during a press conference in Diphu on February 23.