Assam CM Himanta Meets Ex- Karbi Rebel Groups, Assures Autonomous Welfare Council for Karbis Living Outside KAAC

Ex-rebel leader Rejak Dera termed the meeting as "fruitful".

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his visit to Karbi Anglong on Thursday, held a meeting with leaders of ex-rebel groups to discuss the implementation of the historic Karbi Anglong Accord. The meeting, which included representatives from the KLNLF, PDCK, UPLA, and three factions of the KPLT, was aimed at speeding up the execution of the promises made in the 2021 agreement.

CM Sarma, who is currently in Karbi Anglong to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs. 100 crore, emphasized the government’s commitment to honouring every clause of the Karbi Accord. Taking to X, the Chief Minister said these projects will not only boost connectivity in the region but also pay tribute to unsung heroes and improve the visual appeal of Karbi Anglong.

Ex-rebel leader Rejak Dera termed the meeting as “fruitful” and expressed hope that the accord’s implementation would transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.

After the discussion with the former armed groups, CM Sarma also held a separate meeting with representatives of a major Karbi organisation. During this meeting, the organisation strongly urged the Chief Minister to establish a Karbi Autonomous Welfare Council specifically for Karbi people residing outside the jurisdiction of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). Responding positively, CM Sarma assured the formation of the same, stressing that the government is committed to the inclusive welfare of all Karbi people, regardless of their place of residence.

Chief Minister also assured the delegation that the council for the Karbis in the plains will be empowered with equal status and powers as those granted under the Bodo Accord.

The Karbi Anglong Accord, signed on September 4, 2021, in New Delhi between six rebel outfits, the Assam Government, and the Central Government, marked the end of a decades-old armed movement and reinforced Assam’s territorial integrity. With the signing of the accord, more than 1,000 armed cadres laid down their arms and joined the mainstream, pledging to follow the democratic process.

Under the agreement, both the Union and Assam governments agreed to provide a Special Development Package of Rs. 1,000 crore over five years to implement focused developmental projects in the Karbi areas. The accord promised greater devolution of powers to the KAAC, protection of Karbi identity, culture, language, and a clear roadmap for the rehabilitation of former cadres.

Key highlights of the agreement is the assurance to establish a Karbi Welfare Council to look after the development of Karbi people living beyond the KAAC area. The agreement also stated that the Consolidated Fund of the State would be enhanced to support the financial resources of the KAAC, ensuring sustained development and administrative efficiency.

Also Read: “Gandhis are minting money, ordinary Congress workers deprived”: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

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