The Forum for Hills Autonomous State Movement (FHASM) is set to initiate a 24-hour peaceful bandh across the Karbi Anglong East and West districts on May 13, 2025. The bandh will commence at 5:00 AM and conclude at 5:00 AM on May 14, 2025. This action serves as a symbolic and democratic protest against the Government of India’s ongoing delay in the implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution, which was enacted in 1969 with the aim of establishing an Autonomous State for the hill tribes of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
Despite more than five decades of political assurances and repeated memorandums, the constitutional rights of the indigenous tribal community in these regions remain unfulfilled. FHASM, an umbrella organization that includes various tribal groups such as the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), and others, is calling upon all justice-loving citizens to join in this non-violent resistance.
In a statement, FHASM emphasized the need for both the Government of Assam and the Government of India to meet their constitutional, moral, and political obligations by immediately commencing the process to implement Article 244(A). The demand for an autonomous state has been echoed by various tribal organizations over the years, but the lack of action has left many feeling disenfranchised.
In a bid to ensure the bandh remains peaceful, FHASM has outlined specific guidelines. Emergency services, including medical, fire, ambulance, electricity, and press/media operations, will be exempt from the bandh. Additionally, all examination-related activities, including school examinations, are also excluded to mitigate disruption to students and their families.
The organization has urged public transport operators, business establishments, educational institutions, and offices to voluntarily observe the bandh, highlighting that participation should be a matter of solidarity rather than coercion. “We appeal to every citizen, student, civil society organization, political party, and democratic force to support this bandh as a stand for constitutional justice, tribal dignity, and democratic rights,” read the statement from FHASM.
FHASM’s leadership believes that this bandh will send a clear and powerful message to both Delhi and Dispur, it is time to implement Article 244(A) without further delay. The call for unity and peaceful protest aims to galvanize support from various quarters, reinforcing the community’s demand for their legitimate rights.
