𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗺: 𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟰𝟰(𝗔) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲.

The protesters demanded that the bill be tabled during the ongoing Parliament session to pave the way for an Autonomous State comprising Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao districts of Assam.

Despite persistent rain, hundreds of protestors held their ground, shouting slogans like “No Autonomous State, No Rest!” and carrying banners underscoring their long-standing demand for greater self-governance under constitutional provisions.

Article 244(A), inserted through the 22nd Constitutional Amendment in 1969, empowers Parliament to create an autonomous state within Assam for certain tribal areas. It allows for the establishment of a separate legislature and Council of Ministers, giving tribal communities more control over their political and developmental affairs.

Leaders from key regional bodies—including the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), Karbi Adorbar, Dimasa Students’ Union, KRA, KARSA, KUYA, and JNH—actively participated in the demonstration, reflecting widespread grassroots support.

Speaking to the media, KADHASDCOM President Ajit Timung expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction:

“For decades, our people have been waiting for the rightful implementation of Article 244(A). The promises made so far have been hollow. We demand a sincere and time-bound political process that recognises our constitutional right to an autonomous state.”

In a move that drew criticism, none of the elected representatives from the three hill districts participated in the protest. Notably, Amarsing Tisso, the lone Lok Sabha MP representing the region, remained absent, citing his presence in Parliament.

The protest concluded with a firm resolution: the movement for an Autonomous State under Article 244(A) is non-negotiable and will continue through democratic means until the demand is fulfilled.

This demonstration marks a renewed urgency in one of Northeast India’s longest-standing constitutional demands, bringing the spotlight back on the need for inclusive governance and tribal empowerment in the region.