Moran: A palpable sense of frustration gripped Moran yesterday as four prominent Sonowal Kachari organisations jointly addressed the media, delivering a stern ultimatum to the Assam government: hold immediate elections for the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council (SKAC) or face widespread agitation. With the council’s five-year term having expired back in February 2024, the community leaders voiced deep resentment over the prolonged delay, accusing the state of undermining democratic processes and reneging on assurances.
Convening at the Mandakini Hotel conference hall, the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, All Assam Sonowal Kachari Women’s Council, Sonowal Kachari Youth Council, and the Dibrugarh district unit of the Sonowal Kachari Society collectively laid bare their grievances. Speakers highlighted repeated, unheeded appeals to the government for fresh elections, pointing to what they perceived as a deliberate sidelining of their community. A particularly stinging accusation was levelled against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who, according to the leaders, had assured them in December 2024 that elections would be conducted by March 20 of this year. “We feel betrayed,” a student leader articulated, encapsulating the pervasive disillusionment among the Sonowal Kachari people.
Further fuelling their ire was the government’s decision to proceed with elections for the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, which was dissolved concurrently with the SKAC. The organisations questioned the rationale behind such a move, demanding a transparent explanation for what they perceived as disparate treatment. Adding another layer of concern, the leaders vehemently opposed any notion of the state establishing yet another interim body to manage the SKAC, especially in light of lingering corruption allegations against the previous executive committee. “Instead of addressing corruption, the government is contemplating an interim setup. This is unacceptable,” the groups asserted, signalling their unwavering stance against such a move.
Dismissing the government’s recent justification of voter list issues as a “diversionary tactic,” the organisations challenged the sincerity of the explanation. “If the Rabha Hasong elections could be held without voter list issues, why is our council being targeted?” the student union questioned pointedly. The joint press conference culminated in a unified call for the swift announcement and execution of SKAC elections. The leaders warned that a failure to heed their demand would inevitably lead to an intensified protest movement across the entire state. “The government must respect our constitutional and democratic rights. If not, we will have no choice but to launch a mass agitation,” their joint statement resonated, leaving no doubt about their resolve.