ISF, IPF, IWF Stage Sit-in Demonstration in Haflong Demanding Bifurcation of N. C. Hills

Haflong, November 11: The Indigenous Students’ Forum (ISF), Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF), and Indigenous Women’s Forum (IWF) organized a sit-in demonstration in front of the office of the Dima Hasao District Commissioner on Tuesday, demanding the immediate bifurcation of the erstwhile North Cachar Hills district and the creation of a separate Autonomous Council as per the IPF’s proposed map.

The protestors, comprising students, youth, and women from the hill communities, submitted a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma through the District Commissioner, N. C. Hills, Haflong. The memorandum reiterated their long-standing demand for the restoration of their identity and administrative autonomy, which they claim was lost after the district was renamed on March 30, 2010.

The organizations highlighted that for the past fifteen years, they have been demanding a separate Autonomous District and Council to safeguard their cultural, social, and political rights. They cited the forced renaming of the district as a communal act that alienated the hill tribes from their ancestral land.

The memorandum detailed the constitutional and geographical feasibility for bifurcation, emphasizing the need for a separate administrative and political setup.
The protestors expressed concern over worsening political and economic conditions, stating that the delay in addressing their demand has led to increased suppression and hardship for the hill tribal communities. They recalled a previous assurance from the District Commissioner on October 28, 2023, that the bifurcation issue would be settled before the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections.

The memorandum urged the government to consider their demand under the provisions of clause (c) of sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 1 and sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 of Articles 244(2) & 275(1) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The organizations stressed the importance of safeguarding their customs, cultures, practices, and identities, and ensuring justice and equality for all citizens.


The memorandum was signed by L. Kuki (President),  S. Jeme (Working President), and L. Hlima Keivom (General Secretary) of the respective forums.