CEM, KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang speaking at a press conference in Guwahati. Image credit - Northeast Now

The foundation stones for the construction of a Karbi Bhawan and a Dimasa Bhawan in New Delhi will be laid on July 21 by union home minister Amit Shah.

The project of Karbi Bhawan in New Delhi is a part of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with UPDS and it will be constructed at a cost of Rs.100 crore.

This was informed by the chief executive member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, at Karbi Hemtun in Guwahati on Friday.

Addressing a press conference, CEM Ronghang said, “A new Karbi Hemtun will be constructed at Sector 13, Plot No.11 & 12, Dwarka in New Delhi, at a cost of Rs.100 crore.”

“Out of the total amount, Rs. 85 crore will be spent for the building construction and Rs.15 crore for furniture and interiors. The amount will be spent from the package of MoS. For the construction of Karbi Bhawan, land has been allotted. The time of completion of the Bhawan will be two years,” informed Ronghang.

It may be mentioned that the MoS was signed between the erstwhile armed organization, United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) of Karbi hills in Assam, the state government and the Centre.

Besides, a Dimasa Bhawan will also be constructed at Dwarka in New Delhi and the foundation stone for the same would also be laid on the same day by union home minister Shah.

The KAAC CEM also said with the new Karbi Bhawan in New Delhi will benefit students and patients from Karbi Anglong, who go to the national capital for studies and treatment.

At Kolkata, a four-storied building along with land will be purchased by KAAC as ‘Karbi Bhawan’ and the executive committee has already taken a resolution in this regard.

He also said, the Karbi Bhawan at JK-2 S Block 199 in New Delhi will be added with 3 more bedrooms, attached kitchen and a sitting room.

Ronghang also spoke on the border issue saying not an inch of Karbi Anglong will be given either to Nagaland or Meghalaya.

“We have met chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal today and apprised him of the border problems of Block I and Block II areas of West Karbi Anglong with Meghalaya,” said Ronghang.

“The CM has promised that he will visit the border of Karbi Anglong with KAAC team. He has assured us to solve the border problems of Karbi Anglong with Meghalaya and Nagaland,” he added.

On being asked about non-construction of a Karbi hostel in Shillong, foundation stone for which was laid on June 5, 2015, the CEM blamed the contractor for not starting the work.

He informed that a show cause notice has been served to the contractor.

“Now, contractor Suku Bhatta has taken up the work which will start from August,” informed Ronghang.

Nongee Terang is Northeast Now Correspondent in Diphu. He can be reached at: [email protected]