Assam: Congress in Dima Hasao demands apology for comments by BJP leaders on 6th Schedule areas, Article 244(A)

The Dima Hasao District Congress Committee on Tuesday, August 5 launched a scathing attack on Assam BJP State President Dilip Saikia and Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin over their recent remarks concerning land rights in Sixth Schedule areas and the relevance of Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution.

Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Haflong, district Congress spokesperson Kalijoy Chengyung denounced Saikia’s comments on land ownership under the Sixth Schedule, terming them "misleading" and "provocative." He further slammed Dr. Momin for his assertion that Article 244(A) is no longer necessary in the hill districts, calling the statement both “irresponsible” and “dangerous.”

“As a tribal leader from a Sixth Schedule district, Dr. Momin’s claim that ‘we have moved beyond Article 244(A) and demanding it now would be a loss’ is deeply disappointing and reveals a lack of understanding of tribal aspirations,” Chengyung said.

The Congress leader described the remarks as a direct affront to the constitutional protections accorded to tribal and indigenous communities in Assam’s hill districts. “Such statements undermine the spirit of the Sixth Schedule and Article 244(A), which were designed to safeguard the rights and identity of hill tribes,” he said.

Chengyung added that the outrage is not limited to the Congress party. Multiple social organizations from both Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts have voiced their disapproval and demanded accountability. Many also questioned Dr. Momin’s grasp of the concerns of tribal communities despite hailing from the region himself.

The Dima Hasao Congress has called for an unconditional and immediate public apology from both BJP leaders. The party also appealed to all political forces, tribal communities, and civil society organizations in the hill districts to come together in defense of their constitutional and land rights.