The All Party Hills Leaders Conference endorsed independent candidate J.I. Kathar, under whose banner the party released its election manifesto today. The manifesto, which prioritizes the preservation of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, was unveiled at the Hempi Hotel in Diphu. The event to launch the manifesto was attended by the party’s supported candidate and prominent leader J.I. Kathar, along with other leaders.
At the outset of the manifesto, the demand for a self-governed state holds prominence. It is noted that the powers of the Sixth Schedule have been curtailed in the three hill districts included under it. The manifesto mentions that, apart from various indigenous communities, Assamese, and tribal people, outsiders should not have voting rights or access to other facilities. It also states that over the past seven years, they have participated in various elections and have been allotted the torchlight as their electoral symbol.
This time, our electoral symbol is a pair of scissors. With these scissors, we claim the ability to cut off illegally and illegitimately listed non-indigenous people from our hilly district’s electoral roll. Mocking their opposition, they say, “as if catching fire to a torch,” hence we have given this ineffective torch to a non-working party, thereby satirizing the GSP party. Today’s released election manifesto emphasizes strengthening the autonomous governed states and the Sixth Schedule, improving the educational standards in the hilly districts, resolving border issues, providing security, and addressing the unemployment problem as key agendas.
In the manifesto, it is assured that local indigenous and original inhabitants will be provided with a financial grant of 10 lakh rupees each at a 2% interest rate for engaging in business and commerce. Additionally, the manifesto promises to eliminate nepotism and family-centered governance in the council and various positions within the Assam government. It also commits to putting an end to the dictatorship currently prevailing in Karbi Anglong. Furthermore, the manifesto announces financial support for women.
In this context, there is a promise to provide interest-free financial assistance up to 100,000 rupees. The manifesto also includes commitments to build one medical college and university each in the Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts. Furthermore, there is a pledge to encourage agriculture on unused land in the hilly districts to enhance agricultural dependency. Additionally, the manifesto released today by the party assures that in the 2027 elections for the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Councils, there will be a reservation of 10 seats for women.
