The Article 244(A) protest led by hill tribes from Assam erupted at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, reviving the long-standing demand for a separate autonomous state in Northeast India. Protesters from Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao raised slogans, carried placards, and asserted their constitutional rights during the rally.
The protest was spearheaded by the Hills Tribal League and other allied organizations from the two districts. They expressed frustration over what they see as a decades-long delay by successive governments in fulfilling their constitutional right to self-governance.
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A Long-Standing Constitutional Demand
Article 244(A), inserted into the Constitution in 1969, grants Parliament the authority to create an autonomous state within Assam’s tribal-dominated hill areas. This includes provisions for a legislature and a separate council of ministers.
The leaders at the protest claimed that despite several accords signed over the years—including the Karbi Anglong Agreement of 2021—the core issue of full autonomy under Article 244(A) has remained unaddressed.
“We are not asking for anything beyond the Constitution. Article 244(A) is already there. We are only asking for its implementation,” said Rupsing Teron, one of the lead coordinators from the Karbi Anglong region.
Protesters Highlight Betrayed Promises
Many protesters accused both the state and central governments of making promises during elections and peace talks but never translating them into action. The speakers read out excerpts from previous memorandums of settlement that had hinted at greater autonomy, but none had invoked the provisions under Article 244(A).
Representatives from Dima Hasao echoed similar concerns. “Each time the insurgent groups sign peace deals, we are assured of development and autonomy. Yet, our demands for constitutional recognition are ignored,” said Bijoy Hmar, a youth activist from the district.
Appeal to the Prime Minister
Protestors carried banners and placards addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his direct intervention. A memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office, listing the communities’ demands for constitutional safeguards and autonomous governance.
The memorandum demanded that the government initiate a constitutional process to enact Article 244(A) and create a new autonomous state within Assam, encompassing the two hill districts.
What Is Article 244(A)?
Article 244(A) provides for the formation of an autonomous state within Assam for certain tribal areas. Unlike the Sixth Schedule, which only permits district-level councils with limited powers, Article 244(A) enables the formation of a separate state structure with legislative and executive powers, though within the overall framework of Assam.
Legal experts consider it a powerful tool for granting deeper autonomy without redrawing state boundaries.
Political Reactions Vary
While several regional leaders voiced their support for the protestors’ demands, the Assam government has not issued a formal response. Sources within Dispur said the government is closely monitoring the situation but declined to comment on the constitutional demand.
Opposition parties, including the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, supported the protest. “These communities have waited for over 50 years. Article 244(A) is part of the Constitution, and their demand is legitimate,” said Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi.
Meanwhile, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also issued a statement supporting the constitutional aspiration of the hill people and urged the Centre to initiate dialogue.
Voices from the Ground
Several tribal women, youth, and older people joined the rally, making it a diverse and peaceful gathering. Chants like “Implement 244(A) Now” and “Autonomous State is Our Right” filled the air at Jantar Mantar.
“We have been sidelined in policy decisions, education, and development. Our own state structure would allow us to manage our resources and protect our identity,” said Lucy Engti, a college student from Diphu.
For many, this movement is not just about political autonomy but also cultural and economic preservation. “Without Article 244(A), our heritage and languages may vanish,” said Prof. M. Thaosen, a retired academic from Haflong.
Centre Yet to Respond
The Union Home Ministry has not yet commented on the Jantar Mantar protest or the demands raised. However, the memorandum submitted has been acknowledged, and sources suggest internal consultations are underway.
Analysts believe the rising demand for Article 244(A) could gain momentum ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, especially as tribal representation and autonomy become key issues.
A Renewed Call for Dialogue
The Jantar Mantar protest has reignited national attention on Article 244(A), a relatively lesser-known but significant part of India’s Constitution. For the hill communities of Assam, the demand is not just symbolic but deeply tied to their aspiration for self-governance, cultural preservation, and political voice.
Whether the government acts on this latest call remains to be seen. But for the thousands gathered under the scorching Delhi sun, it was a day of united resolve and hope for constitutional justice.
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