Breakthrough in hills autonomous state talks

DIPHU — The Hills People Cultural Forum (HPCF), representing 21 tribes and communities, has welcomed the outcome of a meeting between the Forum for Hills Autonomous State Movement (FHASM) and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma.

The meeting discussed implementing an autonomous state under Article 244(A) and key issues related to the Karbi Accord 2021.

HPCF Chairman Laichan Engleng welcomed the outcome of a meeting between a high-level delegation led by FHASM and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Speaking to the media, Engleng said the delegation, comprising various organisations, submitted a memorandum pushing for an autonomous state under Article 244(A) and addressing key issues related to the Karbi Accord 2021.

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“The meeting that lasted for two hours and the CM has assured the delegation that he would arrange a meeting to meet the Prime Minister to hold for a tripartite talk involving the central government, the state government and the stakeholders from Karbi Anglong, to hold for a tripartite talk within the next three months to address long-pending grievances. This immediate response from the CM is welcomed by us,” Engleng said.

The HPCF chairman urged political parties and social organisations to put aside their differences and unite in pursuit of achieving autonomous statehood.

He noted that despite statehood not being attained, the KAAC has provided compensation to families who lost loved ones during the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) movement in the mid 90s. He emphasised that now is the opportune time for a collective effort to achieve the long-standing demand.

HPCF Secretary General Dhiraj Diphusa welcomed the meeting's outcome, appreciating the chief minister's prompt response and assurance to arrange a tripartite talk with the central government within three months.

Intensive campaign launched against JE

In response to reported cases of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Karbi Anglong district, the District Health Society under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has initiated an intensive prevention campaign to control the spread of these diseases.

To combat the spread of JE, the NCVBDC team conducted thermal fogging operations in JE-positive areas, targeting mosquito control in high-risk zones. The operations are being closely monitored by multi-purpose workers, surveillance workers, and surveillance inspectors to ensure effective coverage.

Additionally, leaflet distribution has been undertaken in Diphu and Manja areas, providing critical information to the public regarding the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of JE and AES.

The district health department has also rolled out awareness activities to sensitise the public. Residents have been urged to maintain cleanliness, eliminate stagnant water sources, use mosquito protection, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms like high fever, vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness appear.

The district administration and health department are working in close coordination to protect public health and prevent any further spread of the diseases, according to a DIPR release.