Divided opposition gift BJP handsome win

Congress, HSDC wiped out

Diphu, June 22: Even in the heyday of the ASDC, the Congress had elected members in the KAAC. Not any more, a negative record has been created by the Party for the first time in the history of Karbi Anglong by drawing  a blank in the just concluded general election of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council whose counting of the votes took place today in Diphu, Bokajan and Hamren. So also did the HSDC which failed to win any seat for the first time since its original avatar, the ASDC, plunged into electoral politics in 1989.

The BJP has created record by wresting over two-thirds of the 26-seat KAAC. It was prevented from getting a clean sweep by its own rebels which fought under the hastily constructed banner of Karbi Anglong Democratic Forum (KADF) which initially hoped to restrict the BJP to short of a majority so that it might force an alliance with them. With their objective dashed by the silent but pervasive BJP wave, they would now in all probability be relegated to the opposition benches.

For the BJP, it was a gift of sort, because if the main opposition parties, namely – the Congress and HSDC had not failed to strike a pre-poll alliance, the BJP would have never hope to win the Duaramla, Chinthong, Sochengdhenta, Nilip, Phuloni, Socheng and Sarupathar where they now won by flimsy margins ranging from 76 votes to 541 votes and that would have been 7-seats short for them. The impact of the alliance would have further damaged the BJP prospects and it would have been anybody’s game. Why and how they could not strike the alliance was for the two parties to introspect, but they created the record of one of the shortest-lived alliance in Karbi Anglong history. The alliance had lasted just one by-election.

As the curtains fall on the electoral process, the focus will now be on choosing the CEM and members of the Executive Committee. It promises to be interesting in that the number of loyalists to Tuliram and a new incumbent appear to be evenly poised.

Newly elected Members of Autonomous Council

1. Duaramla - Prabhat Chandra Taro (BJP)
2. Amri - D.Uphing Maslai (KADF)
3. Chinthong - Prodip Rongpi (BJP)
4. Socheng - Rupsing Teron (BJP)
5. Rongkhang - Horensing Bey (BJP)
6. Bithung Rengthama - Tuliram Ronghang (BJP)
7. Hamren - Mongolsing Timung (BJP)  
8. Kopili - Pawan Kumar (BJP)
9. Amreng - Rina Terangpi (BJP)
10. Howraghat - Khonsing Rongpi (BJP)
11. Langpher - Ramsing Timung (BJP)
12. Phuloni – Dorsing Ronghang (BJP)
13. Langhin – Thorendra Brahma (BJP)
14. Korkanthi – Raju Tisso (BJP)
15. Mahamaya – Lunsing Teron (BJP)
16. Nomati – Ritesh Enghi (BJP)
17. Sochandhenta – Kache Rongpipi (BJP)
18. Lumbajong – Ratan Teron (BJP)
19. Dhansiri – Pradip Difusa (BJP)
20. Singhason – Amarsing Tisso (BJP)
21. Borjan – Longki Timung (BJP)
22. Sarupathar – Jagatsing Engti (BJP)
23. Bokajan – Madhuria Dhekial Phukan (BJP)
24. Deopani – Mukut Mahanta (BJP)
25. Nilip – Pabitra Rongpi (BJP)
26. Duarbaguri – Richard Tokbi (KADF)

KSU celebrated its 1st Birth Anniversary

Diphu, May 28: The Karbi Students Union (KSU) today celebrated its 1st Birth Anniversary at yellow Tree cafe in Diphu.

The program hosted by Sar-im Tokbi, was presided over by KSU President George Timung while the welcome address was delivered by Bamonkiri Rongpi.

Saising Rongpi, Convenor Hills Tribal League (HTL) who grace the program as a guest said upliftingly that the members of KSU are previous students of the university, so they know and understand the problems and hardships of the people of Karbi Anglong. 

He further said that students play a vital role in the society and must act in order to safeguard the region.

Khorsing Teron, Chairman JACAS also attended the program as a guest. He said in his address that it is high time and one has to give priority to the development of Karbi Anglong. In this regard maintaing unity and integrity among the society is the only source for obtaining development, said Khorsing. 

He further highlighted the struggle movement  of the Karbis of the past thirty years demanding Autonomous State and the countless people involved in the struggle including the students.

Today in the program the student organisation also felicited its new members with Karbi poho (scarf). 

General Secretary Richard Ingti briefed about their achievements during the first year of their formation. With the aim of  promoting Karbis Academically and socially President George Timung said and urge the members to work wholeheartedly and with dedication to achieve the goal. 

A lot of things can be done for the promotion of education in the district. 

The program concluded with vote of thanks delivered by Mindar Rongphar.

KAAC Elections announced: Model code of conduct enforced

From left, SP of Karbi Anglong Dr. G.V Siva Prasad and DC of 

Karbi Anglong Adil Khan while addressing the press conference at Diphu. 

Ballot Papers make a comeback, EVMs replaced 

Diphu, May 11: The elections to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) is set to be held on 12 June, 2017, announced the Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong Adil Khan in a press conference today.

Election results to be declared on 17 June, 2017.

DC Adil Khan today announced the date for the KAAC elections as set by the State Election Commission.

The schedule for the election will be as follows:

Last date of filling nomination on 19.05.2017 between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM,

Scrutiny of nomination papers on 20.05.2017 between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM,

Publication of the list of validly nominated candidates on 20.05.2017,

Withdrawal of candidature on 22.05.2017 between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM,

Publication of list of contesting candidates on 22.05.2017,

Date and time of Poll on 12.06.2017 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM,

Date of Re-poll (if any) on 15.06.2017 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and

Date of Counting on 17.06.2017 from 8:00 AM till completion of the counting process.  

With the process of election on the roll, Model Code of Conduct has been enforced in the district from today by DC Adil Khan as stated in the press conference.

Out of the 26 constituencies of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, 9 constituencies of Hamren Sub-Division will be under the control of Deputy Commissioner of West Karbi Anglong,  Hamren, 10 Constituencies of Diphu  Sub-Division will be under the control of Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong and 7 constituencies of Bokajan Sub-Division will be under the control of SDO(C) Bokajan.

The Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong and Deputy Commisioner of Hamren and SDO(C) Bokajan will be the Returning Officer and District Election Officer respectively during the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

There are 270981 voters in Diphu sub-Divison out of which 137964 are male voters and 133017 are female voters. There are also 110 number of very, very sensitive Polling Station, 162 number of Sensitive Polling Station. Comparatively safe are 289 Polling Stations out of a total of 561 Polling stations in the Karbi Anglong District.

The maximum expenditure limit by a candidate in the General Election of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has been fixed at Rs. 3.5 lacs.

Ballot paper will be used this time instead of EVMs informed Deputy Commisioner of Karbi Anglong during the press conference.

Further, Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan appealed to all the people of Karbi Anglong to ensure free and fair poll during the election. 

Red Horn Division busts UKDA hideout

Diphu, May 8: A team of Red Horn Division seized a cache of arms and ammunition and other articles on Sunday in a successful operation against a militant group United Kuki Democratic Army (UKDA) in their hideout. The operation took place in East Karbi Anglong District area, reportedly.

According to sources, the operation was undertaken by MOLSANG, a team from Sarihajan Army Camp on 6 May, 2017, based on an intel they received. The well executed operation resulted in the recovery of three country made self loaded rifles (SLR), five hand grenades, three SLR cartridges, one ammunition pouch and three combat outfits.

Interaction initiative between 12 Garwal Riffles and Journalists

Diphu, May 8: Today an interaction program was held between Diphu based 12 Garwal Riffle army and Diphu fraternity of Jounalists at PWD Guest House .

During the interaction program discussions ranged over the present problem of socio-political life of people in the region.  

The 12 Garwal Riffle echoed the opinion that skill development training have to be imparted to the unemployed youths in the district so that they can start their own entrepreneurship.

During the programme, the members of District Press Club of Karbi Anglong presented  a Karbi Poho as sign of adoring to commandant officer Cornel  J.V. S Rawat. 

Foundation stone laid for Manja market shed

Diphu, May 8: Foundation stone for Manja market shed was laid today in a programme in Manja.

The honour of laying the foundation stone was done by KAAC EM for Environment and Forest Pradip Singnar, in the presence of VDC Chairman Rensing Tokbi under the Lumbajong Development Block.

During the programme Manja Bazar Committee President, Baburam Rongpi, Kuki National Assembly President Thongthang, Marson Jigdung VDC Chairman Dhansiri, Ropin Hasnu, BJP Executive Member district committee and others were present.

According to information by Manja Bazaar Committee, for the last decade the Bazaar had a total area of three and a half bighas; but due to encroachment the Bazaar area remains only about one and a half bighas.

On the other hand, the foundation stone for boundary wall around Siloni LP School, at Bura Teron Longnit village was also laid today by EM Pradip Singnar.

The program was attended by School Managing Committe president Longnit Teron, Village headman Bhupen Teron, Headmaster Bidyasing Teron, ex-VDC Chairman Madhuram Lekthe and other BJP workers.

There was on the same day a programme for laying foundation stone for construction of a slab culvert at Tikoklangso. EM Pradip Singnar did the honours o

f laying foundation stone for the culvert as well.

Talking to Reporters, EM Pradip Singnar said that for construction of market shed at Manja, a grant in aid was sanctioned from special budget of the 9th Finance commission.

Making waste management part of our culture

(Diphu Market near Power House)

The innocent citizenry of Diphu Town have often been hit by accumulating garbage spewing out fumes of foul smell everywhere, just because our Town Committee is chronically failing to manage its finances, which again is the money given by the tax-paying citizenry. We hardly have any issue with the sweepers as they mostly continue with their work despite their salaries pending for up to 52 months. Wow, they are so large hearted, but how would they accommodate the Town’s interest for unlimited period of time with their home and hearth deprived of the most basic of life?

The bazaar is often the hardest hit as most garbage accumulate because of commercial activities and such activities bring with them their load of garbage.

As one was walking through the bazaar lanes one would have seen litter everywhere. Litter here. Litter there. Litter, litter everywhere. Bottles, paper, plastic, all of it. But again, had somebody wanted to throw a wrapper or an empty bottle and searched for a garbage-can they couldn't have found one because there were no such bins posted in the lanes for collection of wastes. Worst of all, Diphu bazaar does not even have a public lavatory.

So whose responsibility was it to look after cleanliness? Firstly, garbage cans should be a priority for anyone managing the township, especially in the bazaar area. But saying that would just mean pointing fingers at the easiest target to blame; because it cannot be said to be certain that, had the officials made garbage-cans available, people would have surely used it. A large number of the crowd might have littered anyway, but that does not excuse the responsibility of the officials to make garbage-cans available.

Also, so much littering wouldn't have occurred had the vendors selling items with wrappers and things that generated waste kept their own waste-basket at hand.

All the Alu-chat walas, chana walas, and all such vendors with their paper plates and wrappers and anything that generated waste should have been made to keep a waste-basket at hand so that customers who enjoyed their items could have left the waste there itself making it part of their business responsibility to dispose them later.

So where does the real problem lie? Is waste management not a part of our culture?

Starting from the consumers, to vendors, to businessmen, to the Town Committee: are we not conscious of all the litter? Is waste management not a priority in our daily lives and culture?

Because, it was not only in the bazaar area that littering is witnessed. Many of the public places are full of it. Roads, parks, rivers and tourist spots: nowhere does anyone seem to take littering seriously. In places like the waterfalls in Bhelughat, the amount of littering is just embarrassing to see, and to think of it, these are the places that tourists and people from outside visit and see.

As we are a people from the hills with abundance of nature let it be our priority to show kinship to our environment. As littering is a form of pollution and something that can possibly affect to bring shame upon the community where it happens, let us make waste-management and cleanliness a big part of our culture, our priority  and our community daily life.

High Drama witnessed in KAAC over separate electoral roll issue

KAAC says “matter subjudice”, 25 organisations say CEM “running away”

Diphu, May 3: High drama was witnessed today at the KAAC Secretariat when the official discussion on the joint demands of the 25 organizations was abruptly aborted after the CEM declared that the Council though in agreement with most of the demands was unable to take any step further as the matter was subjudice. As the CEM walked out of the meeting the representatives were left wondering in the KAAC Conference Hall where the discussions took place. Later the organization leaders addressed the press outside the Secretariat and demanded the resignation of Tuliram Ronghang. The leaders then shouted slogans, laid on the ground and rolled down the road till  the Council gate, shouting, shrieking and some were seen weeping in exasperation and disgust. They later assembled at the Government Boys’ High School Field to take stock of the whole incident.

Apart from the CEM and his colleagues, the meeting was attended by the Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan and Superintending Police Dr. G.V.Siva Prasad. The meeting was held as per the assurance of the Chief executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council  (KAAC) Tuliram Ronghang to the 25 organisations given earlier when the organizations had called for  Karbi Anglong Bandh.

As soon as the meeting had begun, on behalf of the Sixth Schedule Implementation Committee (SSIC), Adviser Jones Ingti Kathar briefed the meeting about the demands of the organizations that included enactment of a new “Council Act and Rule under Para-2 sub para-7 (a & b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India and to prepare a new electoral roll under para-20 of the Sixth Schedule.

The Rengma Naga Students Union (RNSU)President,  Phenpiga Rengma also addressed the gathering saying that they were asking for “our own rights which are guaranteed in the sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution framed for the welfare of the people of the Sixth Scheduled area”.

The Dimasa Students Union (DSU), President Dhiraj Difusa, also addressed the meeting to say that “Sixth Schedule is our right we have to get benefit from it”. Learders of various organistions voiced their opinion in the meeting.

Replying to the discussion, the Chief Executive Member Mr Tuliram Ronghang informed the gathering that though the KAAC was in agreement with most of the points raised by the leaders of the organizations, they were unable to proceed on the issue as the matter was subjudice. Reading from the letter of the KAAC Standing Counsel Mr Jayanta Chutiya, Advocate he said that,  Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No.9/2017 filed by Ratan Terang and ors. vs State of Assam and Ors and the petitioners have prayed for a direction to strike off the names of disqualified non-tribal voters who and whose ancestor were not permanent resident of Karbi Anglong  District on the qualified date of i.e 01-03-1950 from the voter list for the election of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and to direct the KAAC authority to supervise and control the election to the Election to the Autonomous Council instead of conducting the election by the state Election Commission, Assam. The Advocate had written that the above matter pertaining to the preparation of voter list was presently pending before the Division Bench of the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court and the whole matter was subjudice. As such in his opinion no decision may be taken by the authority of KAAC at this stage when the matter was pending  before the Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court for final adjudication.

Mr. Ronghang also said that the Council could not disregard the Hon’ble High Court over the matter and would prefer to wait for the Hon’ble High Court’s order before proceeding on the issue. Mr Ronghang also said that it was themselves which filed the PIL which was now coming in the way of resolving the matter outside the Court room. At this Mr J.I Kathar replied if it was subjudice, then holding of election before the final adjudication would also be subjudice. After that perhaps sensing nothing substantial would come out of the discussion, the CEM and his colleagues rose to leave the meeting and Mr JI Kathar shouted that they were running away from the meeting as they were unable to face the tribal leaders.  

Later while taking stock at the Boys’ High School field speakers speaking in turns called for boycott of the election and would prevent any election campaign to take place in Karbi Anglong. 

Nude demonstration exposes youth anger in Diphu

            

Diphu, April 21: In an expression of dire sentiment of frustration against the inaction of BJP government over their demands, a combination of 24 Organisations organised nude demonstration in Diphu today. The nude rally started from Rongnihang which was supposed to move to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Secretariat Office but the district administration forced the nude rally to stop half way and the instead the SDO(Civil) Joytimoi Daimary visited the spot to hold discussion with the organisation leaders. He gave the assurance to the frenzied nude demonstrators that he would take up the matter with the authority concerned on their behalf. The organizations had submitted a number of memoranda to the authority of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council demanding preparation of a new council Act and Rule under Para-2 sub para-7 (a & b) of the sixth Schedule to the constitution of India, and to prepare a new electoral roll under para-20 of the Sixth Schedule.

Ratan Terang, President United Karbi  students Association (UKSA) said that the KAAC BJP government and State BJP government did not keep their words and did not keep to accord any importance to the demands of the organistions. We are democratically demanding our right since last year, but the State BJP government is suppressing the hill tribal people.

Moreover the organisation also said that Act and Rules for the conduct of council election have not been made and because the obsolete and defective rules of 1951 are still being used by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and in the process the non-tribal emigrants have taken away the political power of the scheduled tribes as guaranteed by the constitution of India and soon the schedule tribes who were covered with protective laws are now made politically naked. The nude demonstration was meant to showcase the politics of the hill people rendered nude by those in power in the KAAC and in the State goverment who are more concerned with looting public money, they said.The men in power are living an immoral life and showing off their riches at the cost of the poor schedule tribes shamelessly and nakedly. Since, they are doing corruption nakedly and shamelessly, we are doing this naked demonstration stated Peterson Rongphar, President of People for People.

Beauty Queens ruled the last night at the 43rd KYF

(L to R: Miss Rimi Rongpipi (1st Runners-up), Miss Rashmi Rongpipi (Miss KYF Winner) & Miss Divya Teronpi (2nd Runners-up)

Diphu, Feb 20: Thousands of enthusiasts gathered to watch beauties walk the ramp at the Samsonsing Engti Achatai last night as they vie for the coveted title of the 4th Miss KYF at the 43rd KYF. As part of the 43rd Karbi Youth Festival, the contest for the 4th Miss KYF was organized by Jakve Asong Tourism (NGO) in association with the Karbi Cultural Society. Miss Rashmi Rongpipi, who also was adjudged the Miss Photogenic walked away with the Miss KYF title and the prize money of Rs 15,000. The title of the 1st Runners-up went to Miss Rimi Rongpipi along with the prize money of Rs 10,000, who also was adjudged the Miss Best Personality of the event. The 2nd Runners-up was bagged by Miss Divya Teronpi with the prize money of Rs 8000.

There were a total of 17 contestants who participated in the competition. In the three rounds competition, the 1st round was the introductory round in which all the participants gave their introduction. The second round was the question round in which the contestants had to pick a card in which the name of the judge was written and the judge asked the question to that particular participant. In the third round only 10 contestants were selected and the other 7 contestants were eliminated. In the third round also, all the participants had to write the same question on a piece of paper and they had to read it out to the crowd. The common question was “Why do you feel proud to be a woman”?

Mr. Tuliram Ronghang, CEM (KAAC) & Mrs. Kache Teronpi, sponsored the winning title, in memory of Lt. Basapi Teronpi (Mother), the 1st Runners-up title was sponsored by Biswakarma Hardware and the 2nd Runners-up title was sponsored by Glass Corner.

Curtains fall on 43rd KYF

Diphu, Feb 20: Even good things can not go on for ever and that applies to the 43rd Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) as well as curtains fell on the venues of the festival last night. While the beauty contest or rather the contest for the Miss 43rd KYF went on till 2:00 AM this morning at the Samsonsing Engti Achatai the official closing ceremony was marked by the performance of the invited artists at the Longmirjeng Achatai which continued till the wee hours this morning. 

One of the largest ethnic festivals of India, the 43rd Karbi Youth Festival begun on 15th and the cultural extravaganza went on till the wee hours of 20th February. On the concluding day of the festival, huge crowd assembled to witness the program. Festival enthusiasts from the neighbouring State like Nagaland, Arunachal , Meghalaya , Manipur and others part of Assam thronged at the venue during the festival and tourists from countries like Germany and Spain had come to witness the annual Youth Festival of the Karbis. On the other hand, various ethnic communities including Man Tai Speaking, Boro, Tiwa, Thadou, Dimasa, Rabha, Garo, Ahom, Tea Tribe, Rengma Naga, and others also participated in the festival by displaying their traditional dances and by setting up of ethnic houses. The Chief Guest on the concluding day, Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma, gave a miss but was compensated by the presence of Dr. Numal Momin , MLA Bokajan who in his speech exhorted the youth to promote the KYF like the Horbil Festival of Nagaland in he coming days. He urged everyone to work united to achieve that goal. Den Arong KCS Zone was awarded as the Best Team with the prize money of one lakh rupees . The 2nd Best Team was awarded to Diphu-Manja KCS Zone who pocketed a sum of fifty thousand rupees and 3rd Best Team Tekelangjun KCS Zone walked away with rupees thirty thousand.

Swaach Bharat Campaign finds echo in 43rd KYF

Diphu, Feb 20: For the first time in the history of KYF a novel method was adopted to drive home the Swaach Bharat Campaign to a culturally captive crowd by performing a street play at the Singmirjeng Achetai & Longbi Chedu Achetai. The Trinity Hills Society (NGO) in collaboration with CKAM & District Water & Sanitation Committee, Diphu organised the play to campaign the cleanliness drive in the district. The organisers feel that as there are thousands of tourists from nearby states and lakhs of people from the district visit the festival it was the perfect platform to spread cleanliness awareness among the people. They said that cleanliness would never be maintained until there was a mass awareness among the society.

The first Mr Nokbe Contest in KYF a giant hit

Diphu, Feb 20: Giant or Nokbe has never failed to mesmerise the Karbis since time immemorial and a reference to the most popular hero among the giants in Karbi history Thong Nokbe instantly brings a general sense of awe till today. It is therefore a matter of simple common sense that the idea of our own modern giants competing in the festival would immediately draw crowd. That was what it did when the Trinity Hills Society, an NGO, in association with the Karbi Cultural Society organised the contest of the giants for the first time in the just concluded 43rd KYF. The contest conducted on the 18th February in Longbi Chedu Achetai, Taralangso saw ten participants and Mr. Kamaljit Meitei from Bokajan became the first Mr. Nokbe beating the other contestants in the Body Building Contest. The title of the 1st Runners-up was bagged by Mr. Pitor Phangcho of Diphu and Mr Ajay Sahu of Bokolia walked away with the 2nd Runners-up title.

The winner of Mr Assam Junior Mr Rishi Sharma and Mr. Bidyasing Rongpi, the owner of RSR Gym were the panel of judges for the contest. The invited guests for the evening were Mr. Kangjang Terang, Deputy Chairman, KAAC, Mr. Keshav Timung, Irrigation Board Chairman, Dr. Birseer Hanse, owner of East United Football Club, Shovana Karmakar a Photographer from Kolkata, Mr. Jackiss Teron and Miss Amphu Terangpi, member of Karbi Anglong Fine Arts Craftsman Association. The Judges and the invited guests were honoured with a Karbi Poho.

The other contestants for the competition were Mr. Probin Terang, Mr. Albertson Tisso, Mr. Pratap Das, Amol Bora, Mr. Bapi Nath, Parag Roy and Mr. Shibu Karmakar.

Compared to other winners, the prize money was modest – the Winner got Rs 5000 , the 1st Runners Up got Rs 3000 and the 2nd Runners Up was awarded Rs 2000.

Encroachment attempt in Matipung DCRF foiled

Diphu, Jan 11: Forest officials aided by Police and CRPF personals thwarted encroachment attempts in Matipung District Council Reserved Forest (DCRF) land on the outskirt of Diphu town today. Large number of women from nearby Rongchingrum, Rongmili and Rongmarjong gather in the wee hours of the morning daily since the last two weeks and clear the area of bushes and small trees with the purpose and occupying the forest land. They would leave at dawn, informed Deputy Ranger Babul Rongpi of central range under west division.

Since yesterday, they have started clearing the area in broad daylight. This morning, when officials from our department requested the women to leave the area as it is government land, they reacted violently and refused to leave, added Rongpi.

Forest department officials immediately informed the district administration fearing occurrence of any untoward incident after which police and CRPF personals were rushed to the spot to diffuse the tension. Karbi Anglong ADC M. Ahmed also visited the spot and spoke with the women. The women finally left after Ahmed explained the legal consequences of encroaching forest land.