Guwahati, July 2: Tensions are mounting among over 25,000 Khasi residents in Assam’s Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, who allege decades of neglect and systemic discrimination by both the Assam government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).

Despite being among the region’s earliest settlers, the Khasi community — including subgroups such as Kherwang Nongtung Labang, Nongpyllut, Pnar, Nongtriang, and Synteng — remains unrecognised and unrepresented. “We have lived here long before the district was even formed, yet we are treated like outsiders,” said Pynshngainlang Rattane, president of the United Khasi People’s Organisation (UKPO), Karbi Anglong Central Committee.

The Khasi people, whose presence in the area predates the creation of the Mikir Hills (now Karbi Anglong district), actively participated in the movement for a separate administrative region in the 1940s. They stood alongside influential leaders such as Semson Sing Ingti and Sarsing Teron Langkung Habe. Yet, in the 74 years since the formation of the KAAC, not a single Khasi has ever been elected as a Member of the Autonomous Council (MAC).

This long-standing exclusion has deepened feelings of alienation. “Our people have been denied basic rights, representation, and recognition,” Rattane said.

The community continues to suffer from inadequate healthcare, poor educational access, and crumbling infrastructure, with many families living in worsening conditions. Some residents, disillusioned by repeated neglect, have boycotted council elections in protest.

Promises of development from Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang — including the construction of a Khasi Community Hall at Amri and Chinthong and a Khasi Bhawan in Diphu — remain unfulfilled, further fueling mistrust.

“These are hollow assurances,” said one community member.

Repeated appeals to the KAAC and government authorities have gone unanswered or been summarily dismissed. “Our community feels like orphans in our land,” said another local leader. “We are simply demanding the rights, dignity, and recognition that are due to any indigenous people.”

As the KAAC marks its 74th anniversary, the Khasi community of Karbi Anglong continues to remain on the margins.

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