24+ convenor Ratan Terang1
24+ convenor Ratan Terang. Photo: Northeast Now

Leaders of over 24 organizations said on Tuesday that on the expiry of the deadline on January 13, 2019 set by Gauhati High Court to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to frame new rules, acts and preparation of fresh electoral roll for conduct of KAAC elections, the social organizations will re-launched its agitation.

Leaders of 24+ announced this at a press conference held at District Press Club in Diphu of Karbi Anglong.

The primary demands of the 24+ is framing of new acts, rules and electoral roll for the conduct of KAAC election.

A convenor of 24+ Ratan Terang said, “The Gauhati High Court on July 13 last has directed KAAC to frame new rules and acts within six months as the existing Assam Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules, 1951 has become obsolete.

By January 13, 2019 the six months time will be complete, if by then KAAC do not go for framing of new rules, acts and preparation of fresh electoral rolls then by January 17, 2019 the 24 + social organizations will take up a strong agitation to pressurize the KAAC.

He urged the Central government not to pass the 123rd Constitution Amendment Bill, 2015 which will dilute the powers of the 6th Schedule.

He also said that the 24+ is not opposed to all the clauses of the MoS signed by the then United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) with State and Central governments, but the two clauses i.e. setting up of village councils on the line of Panchayati Raj system and the conduct of elections by State Elections Commission.

Going by the spirit of the sixth Schedule, as Karbi Anglong is a sixth Scheduled district, these two points is not applicable, he said.

He also urged the general public to support to their agitation. If any inconveniences is caused KAAC will be responsible, he said.

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