The Karbi Longri and NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), an armed organisation now in ceasefire with the Central government, on Thursday observed the 24th Raising Day.
The Raising Day was observed at three designated camps – Taralangso in Diphu, Rongmongve and Parokhuwa.
In Taralangso, as part of the observance, the KLNLF flag was hoisted by the outfit’s Deputy Chairman Habe Tokbi. Candles were lit to remember the departed cadres during a programme which was led by ‘Colonel’ Kangtang Terang.
A meeting was also held on the occasion in presence of SGBs, villagers and cadres of the KLNLF. In the meeting, KLNLF Deputy Chairman Habe Tokbi and Publicity Secretary Rijak Dera briefed the history about the start of armed struggle way back in 1994 under the banner of Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) for attaining Hemprek Kangthim – a separate homeland for the Karbis.
The KLNLF came over-ground in 2010 and on February 18 of the same year, the outfit had a ceasefire agreement with the Central government.
Publicity Secretary Dera said the KLNLF has completed 55 rounds of talks both formal and informal with the government. He blamed the Central government for not taking the issue of solving the demands of the KLNLF seriously. “The lack of seriousness on the part of the Central government is due to regular changing of interlocutors for peace talks between the KLNLF and the government,” said Dera.
Dera also said the KLNLF would stick to its demand for Hemprek Kangthim – a separate state but would also support formation of an autonomous State under Article 244 (A) of the Indian Constitution. The KLNLF will participate in the demonstration being organised by the KANCHASDCOM on March 29 at New Delhi.
Outfit’s Publicity Secretary Dera and Deputy Chairman Tokbi urged the people of Karbi Anglong to extend their support towards the KLNLF for the cause of the Karbis.
At Rongmongve camp, the observation was attended by KLNLF Chairman P Dilli while KLNLF Secretary Thong Teron attended the day at Parokhuwa.