The Drongo Express, Rongbarim, KPH Taralangso Road, Karbi Anglong, Diphu (2025)

21/12/2025

All-party, students and Social Organisations’ Meet oppose handing over of Sixth Schedule land to corporates
DIPHU, Dec 20: A significant joint meeting of all opposition political parties, student bodies and social organisations was held today to discuss the serious issue of selling and handing over large tracts of Sixth Schedule land to big corporate houses.
The meeting was attended by representatives of all opposition parties, all groups of the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA) and various social organisations, reflecting a rare unity across political and civil society platforms on the sensitive land issue.
During the deliberations, almost all participating organisations unanimously resolved to fight tooth and nail against the alleged grabbing of thousands of hectares of indigenous land by big corporates in the Sixth Schedule areas. The speakers expressed deep concern that such moves threaten the land rights, livelihood and identity of indigenous people.
The meeting unequivocally condemned the decision of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to hand over land to corporate entities, terming it anti-people and against the spirit of the Sixth Schedule meant to safeguard tribal land and interests.
It was further resolved that agitational programmes will be launched very soon if the decision is not withdrawn. The organisations warned that they would intensify democratic protests to protect indigenous land from corporate takeover and demanded immediate reconsideration of the KAAC’s decision.
Prominent among the attendees were former MLA Jagatsing Ingti, APHLC president JI Kathar, CPIML leader Robi Kumar Phangcho, KSA general secretary Barnabas Killing, social workers Saising Rongpi, Robindro Rongpi, and others.

21/12/2025

27th Karbi Anglong Athletics Meet to be held on December 22–23
Correspondent
BOKAJAN, Dec 20: Preparations are underway for the 27th Karbi Anglong Athletics Meet–2025, which will be held on December 22 and 23 at Hanjanglangso. The prestigious district-level meet is being jointly organised by the Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) and the Hanjanglangso Sports Association (HSA).
The formal announcement of the athletics meet was made today at 9:00 AM during a press briefing held at the Hanjanglangso Sports Association Open Stage, jointly addressed by KASA and HSA officials.
The organisers informed that more than 300 to 500 athletes from various parts of Karbi Anglong are expected to participate in different track and field events during the two-day meet, making it one of the largest sporting gatherings in the district.
Addressing the media, KASA Athletics Secretary Rajen Rongpi (N), HSA General Secretary Amit Puran Terang, and Langtuk Timung stated that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the meet. They added that the event aims to promote sporting talent among the youth of Karbi Anglong and strengthen unity through sports.
The organisers also appealed to sports lovers and the general public to extend their cooperation and attend the meet in large numbers to encourage the athletes.

21/12/2025

Blanket distribution held at Koilamati Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
Correspondent
KOILAMATI, Dec 19: A blanket distribution programme was organised at Koilamati Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), a girls’ residential school under Nilip MAC Constituency, to provide winter relief to the students. The blankets were sponsored by Kache Teronpi, wife of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Dr Tuliram Ronghang, as part of her humanitarian initiative to support the welfare of school children.
The blankets were formally distributed by Chowkihola Town Committee chairman Winson Ronghang in the presence of Ward Commissioner Jackson Millick, local village authority GB Raj Teron, and other dignitaries. Contractor Papu Roy, associated with the development works of the school, was also present on the occasion.
Speaking during the programme, Chairman Winson Ronghang expressed gratitude to Kache Teronpi for sponsoring the blankets and said that such gestures play an important role in ensuring the well-being of students, especially during the winter season. He further stated that the Town Committee remains committed to supporting educational and welfare activities in the region.
The school authorities and students thanked the sponsor and organisers for the timely assistance. The event concluded with an appeal to further strengthen infrastructure and essential amenities in residential schools for the overall development of students. The teachers have appealed to the competent authority for better furniture for students.

19/12/2025

Dima Hasao to celebrate Judima festival from December 20
DIPHU, Dec 18: Dima Hasao is set to come alive with colour, tradition and community spirit as the Judima Festival 2025 will be held from December 20 to 22, 2025, at Gunjung in Dima Hasao district of Assam. This was informed by the Karbi Anglong District Information & Public Relations Officer here today.
Informing this, the KA DIPRO stated that people from across the region and beyond would get the opportunity to experience a celebration that reflects cultural pride, inclusive growth and the rising tourism profile of the hill district during the festival.
Centred around Judima, the GI-tagged traditional rice wine of the Dimasa tribe, the festival highlights the community’s deep-rooted heritage and its journey towards self-reliance and sustainable development. More than a cultural gathering, the Judima Festival represents how tradition and progress continue to walk hand in hand in Dima Hasao.
The three-day programme will feature Judima tasting sessions and competitions, along with vibrant performances of traditional Dimasa music and dance. Folk songs such as Dishru ni and Johaya ni, rhythmic drum performances, children’s musical presentations like Khumi damba, and special cultural displays including Bagauba will offer visitors an engaging and authentic experience of Dimasa living traditions.
Another major attraction will be the exhibition and local stalls, showcasing indigenous handicrafts like Kram khuba and Muri khuba, traditional seeds, organic hill produce, and Dima Hasao’s premium coffee. These displays reflect the district’s growing focus on livelihood opportunities, sustainable practices and community-led entrepreneurship.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Gunjung’s hills, the festival blends culture, nature and development, further strengthening Dima Hasao’s identity as an emerging cultural and eco-tourism destination. The festival’s spirit celebrates Dimasa identity, shared pride and inclusive progress, welcoming visitors to be part of this collective celebration.
The district administration and local communities have extended a warm invitation to people from all walks of life to attend the Judima Festival 2025, experience the hospitality of the Dimasa people, and discover the rich cultural heritage and ongoing development of Dima Hasao, DIPRO concluded.

19/12/2025

Village headman urges doctors for 10 bedded PHC in Koilamati
Correspondent
KOILAMATI, Dec 18: The Primary Health Centre in Koilamati was completed about two years back but has not been opened and functional for reasons unknown to the local population. Following this inordinate delay, local village headman has called upon the concerned department for early appointment and posting of doctors for the Koilamati PHC under the 25 Nilip MAC Constituency to let locals have access to health facilities.
Highlighting the status of deprivation, locals informed that villagers of Koilamati area do not have access to health services primarily due to the delay in the start of PHC services and are forced to rush towards places like Golaghat, Jorhat, Bokajan, Dimapur or Diphu for treatment.
“There were massive joy and hope among locals when construction of the 10-bedded primary health centres began and completed two years back. However, the failure to start its services by the concerned department have extremely disappointed and hurt the locals who earlier had hoped it would have eased one of their big problems to a huge extent,” Nilip Rong Asar Amei president Raj Teron said.
Following this, the Nilip Rong Asar Amei president called upon the concerned department for accord high priority towards solving of their biggest issue.

18/12/2025

Karbi King, Ministers extend solidarity; KAAC invites strike participants for talks

DIPHU, Dec 17: In a significant political and social development, Karbi King Longsing Ronghang, along with his ministers, held talks with participants of the ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Phelangpi (Kheroni) in West Karbi Anglong district and extended solidarity with the protestors over their demands related to the PGR/VGR issue.

During the interaction, the Karbi King and his ministers listened to the grievances of the hunger strike participants and expressed concern over issues affecting the indigenous people of the region. They assured the protestors that their demands would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities and emphasized the need for a peaceful and just resolution.

Meanwhile, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has formally invited the hunger strike participants for a meeting with the Chief Executive Member (CEM), KAAC, to hold detailed discussions on their grievances. An official letter to this effect was issued by the Principal Secretary, KAAC, requesting the protestors to convey their willingness to participate in the proposed talks at the earliest. A team of KAAC officials met the protestors on Tuesday and conveyed the message.

The ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Phelangpi has drawn widespread attention across Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, garnering increasing support from various quarters. The combined outreach by traditional leadership and the KAAC administration is being viewed as a crucial step toward initiating dialogue and finding a resolution to the contentious PGR/VGR matter.

The decision now rests with the nine individuals observing the indefinite hunger strike—Edison Tokbi, Jonasing Rongphar, Lipson Kro, Harsing Hanse, Waisong Terang, Khelan Engti, Bidyasing Ronghang, Litsong Rongphar, and Robika Senarpi—who are expected to consult their supporters before deciding on the next course of action.

18/12/2025

Forest officials foil teak smuggle, driver nabbed
Correspondent
BOKAJAN, Dec 17: In a latest incident, forest officials seized two pickup vehicles loaded with teak logs under the Bokajan Forest Range here today. The vehicles involved in the illegal transportation were using APDCL plate on to of its registration number.
According to the Eastern Division under the Bokajan Forest Range, they launched operation immediately on receiving information from villagers stating that two pickup vehicles had been suspiciously carrying logs by using APDCL name plate from their area. Following this information, the forest officials launched search operation and manage to nabbed the two Tata pickup vehicle with the registration number AS03CC3431 and AS09BC4427 fully loaded with teak logs.
The seized teak logs numbering 100 measuring 30 cft were estimated to be worth about Rs. 1.5 lakh in the market, Bokajan Forest Range Ranger Serlyn Beypi informed. In this connection, the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and the seized vehicle and logs were taken to Bokajan Forest office for further official action, the forest ranger added.

18/12/2025

Cement-laden dumper meets with an accident at Lahorijan
Correspondent
BOKAJAN, Dec 17: A dumper truck carrying cement met with an accident along the four-lane road under Lahorijan Karbi Rongbarim area, falling within the jurisdiction of Khatkhati Police Station, in the early hours of Wednesday.
According to reports, the accident occurred at around 1:00 am near Raj Palace Hotel, Khatkhati, when the dumper bearing registration number NL-11-3193, loaded with cement and heading towards Jalukie, lost control and overturned on the roadside. The vehicle was carrying around 300 bags of cement, most of which were reportedly damaged in the mishap.
The driver and handyman of the dumper sustained injuries in the accident. Local people rushed to the spot and helped rescue them from the vehicle before they were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable.
On receiving information, Khatkhati Police reached the spot and carried out necessary formalities. The damaged dumper was later cleared from the road to restore traffic movement. Police have taken up the matter and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The mishap caused temporary disruption of traffic along the busy four-lane stretch, creating inconvenience for commuters during the early morning hours.

18/12/2025

Chief Prabhari Officer Dr. Pradip Kumar reviews progress in Nilip aspirational Block, Karbi Anglong
Correspondent
MAILOO, Dec 17: Dr. Pradip Kumar, IRS (Income Tax), Chief Prabhari Officer (CPO) for Karbi Anglong district under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) and Director in the Department of Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India, conducted a comprehensive field visit to the Nilip Aspirational Block to evaluate the on-ground implementation of key development initiatives.
The visit aimed at assessing block-level performance and ensuring effective delivery of essential services in one of Assam's underdeveloped areas under the ABP, a flagship programme launched to accelerate socio-economic progress in 500 selected blocks across India.
During the inspection, Dr. Kumar visited the Bogijan Tea Estate Anganwadi Centre, where he closely examined the provision of early childhood care, education, and nutrition services. He engaged directly with frontline workers, discussing service delivery mechanisms, challenges, and beneficiary outreach to strengthen health and nutrition outcomes.
He also toured the Dokhora English M.E. School, holding detailed interactions with the Block Development Officer (BDO), Block Primary Education Officer (BPEO), and the Head Teacher. The discussions centered on critical education indicators, student outcomes, and strategies to enhance learning under the ABP framework.
Additionally, Dr. Kumar reviewed the Dakhara Hide Bey Piped Water Supply Scheme, part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, assessing the status of rural drinking water infrastructure, household tap connections, and long-term sustainability measures.
The field visit underscored the importance of inter-departmental convergence, rigorous monitoring of key performance indicators, and robust last-mile service delivery to drive holistic development in the Nilip block. Emphasizing collaborative efforts, Dr. Kumar highlighted the need for sustained focus to improve lives in aspirational areas through programmes like ABP.
The Aspirational Blocks Programme continues to prioritize sectors such as health, nutrition, education, and basic infrastructure to foster inclusive growth in remote and underdeveloped regions.

17/12/2025

Local BJP Unit seeks party ticket for Deopani College Principal Boson Rongphar
Correspondent
KOILAMATI, Dec 16: The Dokhora Hidi BJP Local Vote Polling Centre group on Tuesday urged the party leadership to allot a BJP ticket to Boson Rongphar, a resident of Wophong Asar and Principal of Deopani College, for the forthcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections. The demand was placed during a press conference held here on Monday.
Addressing the media, the group described Rongphar as a well-respected figure with strong academic credentials and a proven record of social engagement. The saffron group appealed to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Dr Tuliram Ronghang and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to give due consideration to what it termed a sincere and people-driven request.
Later, speaking to reporters, Boson Rongphar said that while he is presently able to support his family, his larger aspiration is to work for the welfare and upliftment of disadvantaged sections of society. He added that greater responsibility and access to decision-making platforms would enable him to serve the public on a wider scale.
“We only have one life and therefore, I wanted to have that opportunity to serve people and leave an honourable and lasting legacy behind through good work,” Rongphar said.
In addition to the being a principal of a college, Rongphar is also an active social worker, a member of the BJP East Karbi Anglong District, Convernor of the Economic Cell, ex-General Secretary of BJP Nilip Mandal and was a ticket aspirant in 2021. Further, he has warm relations with Adivasi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Shyam, Rengma, Garo and other communities and tribes due to which, the Dokhora Hidi BJP Local Vote Polling Centre group have expressed great hopes of securing part ticket for the upcoming MLA election.

17/12/2025

Indefinite hunger strike at Kheroni Chariali completes 10th Day
DIPHU, Dec 16: The indefinite hunger strike at Kheroni Chariali in Karbi Anglong has entered its tenth consecutive day today, with protesters raising serious concerns over the failure of constitutional safeguards to protect indigenous people in the region. The agitation continues in the Sixth Schedule area amid the continued silence of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang, who is yet to respond to the demands.

The protesters have stated that despite Karbi Anglong enjoying Sixth Schedule status and indigenous communities being accorded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, these constitutional provisions have failed to effectively safeguard land, identity and rights. They alleged that persistent land alienation and marginalisation of indigenous people have compelled them to launch an indefinite hunger strike as a last resort.
"It is not only about eviction in the PGR/VGR areas, but about a greater issue about the safety of indigenous poeple of Karbi Anglong," said Litson Rongphar, one of the 10 strikers.
As the protest enters its tenth day, the health condition of the hunger strikers is reportedly deteriorating, triggering serious humanitarian concerns. Various local leaders, student organisations and civil society groups have expressed solidarity with the agitators and have urged the KAAC leadership to immediately initiate dialogue.

The protestors are firm in their demand, a written assurance from the KAAC Chief to fulfil their demands.

With ten days completed, pressure is mounting on the KAAC authorities, particularly CEM Tuliram Ronghang, to respond and restore confidence in the constitutional protections meant for indigenous communities.

17/12/2025

Assam's Benla Kemprai wins bronze at 41st Senior National Taekwondo Championship at Hyderabad
Correspondent
HAFLONG, Dec 16: Dima Hasao’s Benla Kemprai have once again brought pride to Assam and Dima Hasao district as well by securing a Bronze Medal at the 41st Senior National Taekwondo Championship, held from 12th to 14th December 2025 at the prestigious GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium at Hyderabad in Telangana.
The championship witnessed intense competition with top taekwondo athletes from across the country participating in the senior category, displaying exceptional skill, determination, and fighting spirit. Benla Kemprai delivered a commendable performance to finish on the podium, marking a significant achievement in her sporting career.
Her bronze medal at the national level reflects her consistent hard work, disciplined training, and dedication to the sport of taekwondo. Coaches, officials, and sports enthusiasts have lauded her achievement, stating that such performances will inspire upcoming athletes from the region to pursue excellence in martial arts.
The 41st Senior National Taekwondo Championship served as an important platform for identifying elite talent in the country and promoting taekwondo at the national level. Benla Kemprai’s success has added another proud chapter to the sporting achievements of her home district and state.
In the overall medal standings of the championship, Manipur secured the Gold, Kerala claimed the Silver, while Assam and Maharashtra jointly secured Bronze medals.
Meanwhile, the Assam team delivered an impressive overall performance by securing the title of 2nd Best Poomsae Team, further highlighting the state’s growing strength in taekwondo at the national level. The medal ceremony was made more special with the presence of celebrities from the Telugu film industry, who were invited guests and added glamour to the prestigious national event.
Earlier, Benla Kemprai gained prominence for winning a bronze medal at the 38th National Games in 2025 to which the Assam government appointed her as Junior Administrative Assistant in the Assam Transport Department under the sports quota, inspiring many with her academic and athletic success.

The Drongo Express

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