Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 22 (NPN): Surjya Rongphar, MLA of Assam Legislative Assembly and executive member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), on Saturday announced that land patta would be issued to tribal communities settled in border areas after due legal procedure.
He made the announcement while laying the foundation stone for the office complex of Karbi Anglong Naga Union (KANU) at United Adivasi Gaon, Karagaon, Karbi Anglong, Assam. Rongphar clarified that pattas would be issued only to tribal communities, excluding non tribals, and urged the Naga community residing in border areas to apply for land registration.
Reiterating that the border belt of Karbi Anglong has long been inhabited by mixed tribes and communities, he called for Karbi Naga integration. He appealed to the Naga community to dispel propaganda alleging that Nagas were attempting to grab land in Karbi Anglong, stressing that those settled there must reject such misrepresentation.
Rongphar further urged Naga residents of Karbi Anglong to acknowledge their settlement in the district, assuring that “we stand with the people of Karbi.” He described Karbis as “backward and purely innocent,” and called on all border communities to uphold peace and unity. On the proposal for construction of the office complex, the MLA assured his support and said he would take it up on top priority.
Delivering the welcome address, Anilo Rengma, president KANU, highlighted the significance of the project. Presenting the proposed construction report, Mhao Odyuo, convenor of the Office Building Committee, informed that more than 10,000 households and 50,000 Nagas reside in Karbi Anglong. He said the growing population necessitated a common platform for discussions and organisational activities, which led to the formation of KANU and the proposal for the office building. He appealed to the MLA to extend support, mentioning that the people of the area were law abiding citizens with proper documents of citizenship and deserved development activities and their legitimate rights.
The land for the office building was donated by Khillo G. Rengma, whose granddaughter Yaya Rengma spoke at the event, highlighting her grandfather’s contribution.
Earlier, the foundation stone was dedicated by Rev. Y. Arhonthung Odyuo, pastor of Lotha Baptist Church Bor Lengri. The programme began with an invocation by Hewoto Jakhalu, pastor SBC. Special numbers were presented by Muliya Rengma, while folksongs were performed by the Sumi Community Bor Lengri and Rengma Community Bor Lengri. The vote of thanks was delivered by Kahuto Yepthomi, vice president KANU, and benediction by Mahjh, pastor YBCB.
Moderators of the programme were Kenhile Rengma and Khijiya Rengma.