The Dima Hasao district unit of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) on Monday staged protest at the Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner’s office premises at Haflong demanding election to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) on time.
Talking to Northeast Now, former NCHAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) and AGP Organising Secretary Debojit Thousen said, “The term of the present body of the NCHAC will end on June 3 next. So, the government should hold the election on time; otherwise the present council body will have to be dissolved.”
The AGP leader during the protest stated they would call on Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on the issue soon. “If the Assam government does not act on the issue, we will be bound to take judiciary help,” said Thaosen.
AGP activists across the district joined the protest programme on Monday.
Bringing serious allegations against the BJP in Assam, former NCHAC CEM Samarjit Haflongbar, who also joined the demonstration at Haflong, said, “One must possess ex-militant certificate or have criminal cases against him or her to become a BJP member in Dima Hasao district. He or she must be able to provide crores of money to the party.”
Denying the question of coalition with the BJP in NCHAC election, Thaosen said, “NCHAC CEM Debolal Gorlosa has completely failed to run the Council. The AGP will contest Council election alone in the district and will win all the 28 seats.”
Former Rajya Sabha MP Prakant Warisa and former NCHAC Executive Member (EM) Bijoyendra Chenguin L Mar also joined the protest programme.
Demanding timely Council election, Warisa said, “The BJP is planning to extend the present NCHAC’s term as they are in fear of losing election.”
Demanding Assam Governor’s interference in the matter, the AGP submitted a memorandum before the Dima Hasao DC.
It may be mentioned that the DC, Debajit Hazarika, had dashed off a proposal to the Department of Hills Area Development, Assam in February, 2018 with recommendations to hold election of the NCHAC in Dima Hasao and release funds for the same.