244(A) sparks firestorm: Congress slams Assam deputy speaker for ‘anti-hill’ remarks

After Numal Momin, the Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly made controversial remarks on the Article 244(A) of the Constitution of India, a political storm has erupted in Assam. 
 

The statement has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from the Karbi Anglong District Congress Committee (KA-DCC), which accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining the aspirations of the hill districts.

During a recent media address, the Bokajan MLA, Momin claimed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has granted the region more powers than those provided under Article 244(A), which allows for the creation of an autonomous state within Assam with its own legislature or council of ministers. 

He further stated that pursuing Article 244(A) would lead to a "loss" for the people of Karbi Anglong, a comment that has been met with sharp backlash from local leaders and residents.

In response, the KA-DCC organized a press meet today at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Diphu, led by former MLA and General Secretary of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Jagat Sing Engti. Addressing the media, Engti accused Dr. Momin and the BJP of attempting to "scrap" Article 244(A), a long-standing demand of the hill districts for greater autonomy. "The general public of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao strongly support the implementation of Article 244(A)," Engti stated. "Dr. Momin’s remarks are not only anti-Karbi Anglong but also a deliberate attempt to hurt the sentiments of the people in the hill districts."

Engti further alleged that the Deputy Speaker’s statement was strategically made to undermine the aspirations of the hill communities, who have been advocating for an autonomous state under Article 244(A) since the 1950s. The demand has gained renewed momentum in recent years, with various organizations, including the Karbi Anglong-Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (KADHASDCOM), pressing for its immediate implementation.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in the region, with the Congress accusing the BJP of neglecting the constitutional promises made to the hill districts. 

The public outcry highlights the deep-rooted desire for greater autonomy among the people of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, who see Article 244(A) as a pathway to enhanced governance, law and order, and financial independence.