The Indigenous People’s Forum and other apex bodies oppose the use of “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” and seek restoration of “North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.”
Kokrajhar: The Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF) and several apex bodies in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have opposed the use of “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” in place of the constitutionally prescribed “North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council”.
In a press release issued on September 3, the IPF said the council’s constitutional nomenclature could not be changed through a council notification, resolution or administrative order.
The forum said the matter had earlier been raised with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who, according to the IPF, maintained that the council’s name had not been changed and that the N.C. Hills Autonomous Council remained the rightful nomenclature.
The organisation, however, objected to an August 31 order issued by the council’s Principal Secretary directing all department heads to use “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council”.
The IPF also alleged that political interests could be using the issue to create communal divisions among indigenous communities. The allegation has not been independently established.
Calling for the immediate withdrawal of the order, the forum appealed for peace and unity and said the nomenclature dispute should not overshadow wider concerns over governance and accountability.
The IPF has given authorities 14 days to withdraw the direction and restore the earlier nomenclature. It warned that failure to comply would lead to an indefinite bandh, including disruption of railway and highway services.
Also Read: Bihar on High Alert as Eight Major Rivers Swell Beyond Danger Marks
