The protest underscores growing tensions over territorial integrity and the autonomy of Karbi Anglong
Sushanta Roy
Leaders of the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), All Party Hills Leaders’ Conference (APHLC), and Karbi Anglong Rong Asar Amei (KRAA) staged a fiery protest today in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, burning an effigy of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang.
The demonstration was in response to the alleged intrusion of panchayat elections from the plain districts of Nagaon, Morigaon, and Golaghat into the autonomous district of Karbi Anglong. The groups demanded the immediate withdrawal of these elections from the region.
The protestors also highlighted a recent incident where the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections reportedly encroached into Karbi Anglong’s territory, further fueling their discontent. Anglong Engti Kathar, a prominent voice in the movement, condemned the developments in a social media post, stating, “This is an act of attacking the integrity of Karbi Anglong and undermining the autonomy of KAAC.”
Kathar further criticized the KAAC leadership, accusing them of inaction. “It is very unfortunate to witness that KAAC CEM & team remained mute spectators running away from their responsibility in this hard time, leaving their own people helpless and hopeless,” he added.
The protest underscores growing tensions over territorial integrity and the autonomy of Karbi Anglong, governed under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The KSA, APHLC, and KRAA have called for swift action to protect the region’s rights and prevent further external electoral interventions.
