New Delhi : People of upper Assam’s hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar protested at Jantar Mantar demanding an autonomous state within Assam.
The demand for an autonomous state has been a constant refrain for two decades. Earlier in 2016 then MP Biren Sing Engti had introduced ‘The Assam Re-organization Bill 2016 on August 5th under the readymade provision of Article 244-A . But since then the bill remained pending. Now the Karbi Anglong North Cachar Hills Committee will also summit a memorandum to Prime Minister and Home Minister to pass the long pending Bill.
Horen Singh Bey MP from the Lok Sabha Constituency fall under the district which were demanded to be given autonomous state supported the demand made by the protestors. While interacting with Ten News said “This our almost 3 decade long pending demand for which we will keep fighting until it will get fulfilled. Being representative of these people this is my duty to raise this demand in parliament and since 1st session I am serious about this issue.”
On the question of regarding demographic and and topographic requirements a region needs to fullfill for achiving full statehood he said “The two districts has a combined area of 15,237 sq km making it the second largest district in India and also has a total population of 7.21 lakh. So i think this will not be a issue.”
When in 1971, neighbouring Meghalaya attained statehood, residents of the two districts were asked whether they wanted to become part of Meghalaya or continue as they had until then. They stayed on with Assam after the state leadership assured them that greater independence would come their way.
But the agitators complain that the area has been neglected by the state Government and the tribals are being kept out of Assam’s mainstream said one of the agitator.
