Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, asserting that the rights, land, and security of indigenous communities must be safeguarded at all costs and that non-indigenous dominance will not be allowed to take root in Karbi Anglong.
In the memorandum, issued from AASU’s headquarters at Gauhati University, the student body made its stance unequivocally clear, stating that the current situation in Karbi Anglong poses a serious threat to indigenous existence and social harmony in Assam.
AASU stressed that the issue goes beyond local disturbances and has state-wide implications.
The union expressed deep concern over the ground situation in Karbi Anglong, alleging that unchecked activities and the growing assertiveness of non-indigenous elements have created fear, instability, and insecurity among Karbi people and other native communities, particularly affecting their land rights and traditional way of life.
AASU warned that continued administrative inaction could further escalate tensions, leading to long-term consequences for peace and coexistence in the hill district.
It emphasised that law and order must be enforced firmly and impartially to prevent any breakdown of public order.
The student body urged the state government to take immediate and decisive steps to protect the constitutional and customary rights of indigenous communities, prevent demographic and social imbalance, and ensure that justice remains central to governance in Karbi Anglong.
While acknowledging the importance of dialogue, AASU categorically stated that no discussion or settlement can come at the cost of indigenous interests, reiterating that peace without justice is neither sustainable nor acceptable.
The memorandum was jointly signed by AASU President Utpal Sarma and General Secretary Samiran Phukon, who stated that the organisation would closely monitor the situation and intensify democratic movements if the government fails to respond effectively.
With this memorandum, AASU delivered a strong and unambiguous message to the state leadership that protecting Karbi and indigenous rights is non-negotiable, and any attempt to undermine them will face firm resistance.
The memorandum was submitted amid ongoing unrest in the district over demands to evacuate illegal encroachments by non-tribals.