DIPHU, Sept 15 - The Sixth Schedule Implementation Committee (SSIC) celebrated its 2nd foundation day at Rangsina Sarpo Auditorium Hall, Lorulangso, Diphu.
Karbi Lammet Amei (KLA) president, Suren Kramsa, retired IAS officer and SSIC adviser JI Kathar, Hill Tribes League (HTL) convener Saising Rongpi, social worker from Dima Hasao Sanjeevan Langthasa, Lakhijan Baptist Church pastor Aaron Teron, United Karbi Students� Association (UKSA) president Ratan Terang, convener of 24 organisations Angtong Engti Kathar and Karbi Anglong Social Development Organisation (KASDO) president Rakesh Ronghang were present as guests in the programme.
The foundation day celebration programme began with the flag hoisting programme. Subsequently an open session was held at 10 am and it was chaired by SSIC president Semson Teron. Saising Rongpi, convenor HTL in his speech appreciated the works of the SSIC and assured all support from HTL on the issues and demands for proper implementation of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution.
Attending as chief guest, KLA president Suren Kramsa said that their organisation has been dedicated to the burning issues of the Karbis including the language policy. He added that the demand to introduce Karbi language as MIL subject from school to university level was their long standing aspiration and they are currently working for its approval. If this becomes a reality, then it would be a historic day for the Karbis. He also said that Karbis are also known as Mikir or Karbi or Arleng and therefore, one should be accepted as they are known in their regions.
SSIC adviser JI Kathar gave the brief account and emergence of SSIC during which he highlighted several important points related to its history, of individual people involved in debates and drafting of the Sixth Schedule at the Constituent Assembly Debates. He said that Sixth Schedule is the most abhorred part of the Constitution for people who do not want tribals to progress and grow along with the nation. He also cited several historical events of the past when the State took advantage and inserted several clauses and created way to intervene and disrupt the affairs of the autonomous council if they did not agree to it by way of amendments. He urged the upcoming tribal youths to stand up and uphold the Sixth Schedule with all of the strength at their command.
During the foundation day celebration, convenor of 24 organisations, Angtong Engti Kathar also advocated youths of the district to take over the mantle of the movement for the protection of tribal people which is possible only through proper implementation of Sixth Schedule institution.
UKSA president Ratan Terang also urged upon all to support the movement for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. He also reminded that many leaders are now past their prime and therefore, youths have to take up the responsibility on their shoulders to protect their people, language, culture and identity. He also said no one should allow entry and settlement of illegal migrants in the district and the State.
