Guwahati, July 7: A joint delegation of the Indigenous Peoples' Forum (IPF), Indigenous Students' Forum (ISF), Indigenous Women's Forum (IWF), along with apex and student bodies, met Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss the long-pending demand for the bifurcation of the existing district and the creation of a new administrative district.
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| Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma meets a joint delegation of the Indigenous Peoples' Forum (IPF), Indigenous Students' Forum (ISF), Indigenous Women's Forum (IWF), apex bodies and student organisations to discuss the proposed district bifurcation and key development demands for the North Cachar Hills region. |
The meeting was held in the presence of Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika and the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
According to the delegation, the Chief Minister acknowledged the overwhelming support extended by the IPF community during the recent Assam Assembly elections and held detailed discussions on the proposed map, boundaries, and name of the new district sought by the forum.
The delegation said the Chief Minister revisited his earlier assurance, given before the Assembly elections, regarding the demand for bifurcation and assured them that the matter would be pursued.
During the meeting, Dr. Sarma also clarified that the correct official name of the autonomous council is the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC). He stated that the use of any incorrect nomenclature is a legal issue and assured the delegation that appropriate directions would be issued to ensure the council's official name is correctly used.
The Indigenous Students' Forum (ISF) also submitted a memorandum seeking the implementation of commitments made during an earlier meeting with the Chief Minister on January 23, 2022. These include the establishment of a Tribal Medical College at Lasang, Mahur, and the construction of the NCHISF Headquarters Office Building.
The memorandum further urged the government to fulfil several election promises, including the establishment of Mahur Degree College, construction of the Ditokchera Bridge, Muolhoi Auditorium, electrification of all unelectrified villages, and the construction of the P. Leikul–Semkhor Road via Solpidong, Lhungjang, Mongjang and Nivang.
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The ISF also sought the construction of student hostels for various tribal communities, including the Zeme, Hmar, Kuki, Biate, Karbi, Khasi, Hrangkhawl, Vaiphei and Rongmei communities.
In addition, the delegation requested the allotment of land for statues of Late C.H. Khotlang, the first Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, freedom fighter Late Haipou Jadonang, and Late Chengjapao Doungel, along with the declaration of their birth anniversaries as official holidays.
Following the meeting, the delegation expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for reaffirming his commitment to honour the assurances made to the people. They said they remain hopeful that the proposed district bifurcation and the pending developmental projects will be implemented in the near future.
