Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha Forms New Regional Political Party

The Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha (ASM), an umbrella organisation of 104 indigenous communities of Assam, has formed a new regional political party, the Asom Suraksha Parishad (ASP), with a view to re-establishing the “lost governing power” of the indigenous people of the state. The ASM’s decision to launch the political party was announced during its 19th foundation day celebration at the Tai Ahom Cultural Development Centre in Sivasagar on April 17. At the 19th foundation day event, the ASM pledged to continue its fight for the re-establishment of governance rights of the indigenous communities of Assam and the formation of a federal government based on their right to self-determination, as per the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted in 2007. ASM Security Council president Matiur Rahman said that the Mahasangha had, as early as 2016, decided to form a regional political party to work politically for the security of the indigenous people of Assam. According to Rahman, a conveners’ committee was formed during the celebration of the ASM’s 19th foundation day in Sivasagar on Friday. The committee comprises ASM Executive Council president Santanu Das Borhajowal and secretary general Bhupen Narah as joint chief conveners, and Jnananda Phukan, Jogeswar Borah, Jagannath Sonowal, Biraj Gogoi, Nabin Pait, Aimoun Chakhap, Rubul Borah, Pallab Shyam Bailung, and Kiran Singha as conveners. The 19th foundation day of the ASM was graced by Singpho king Bisa Mungdang Gam Singpho. Representatives of various indigenous communities of Assam were also present at the event. Tributes were paid to kings, warriors, and others who fought against the British during the programme. All Assam Tai Phake National Council working president Aimoun Chakhap, Matak Yuva Chatra Sanmilan vice president Anup Chetia, All Assam Ahom Sabha’s Sivasagar district committee president Jayanta Rajkonwar, Tirap Autonomous Council Demand Committee general secretary Pallab Shyam Bailung, social activist Sushila Devi, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad’s Sivasagar district committee president Prasanna Singha, Sivasagar Mahasangha working president Kiran Singha, and Bhabendra Nath Mohan were among those present at the foundation day programme. The ASM was founded on the premises of the historic Talatal Ghar in Sivasagar district on April 17, 2007.