Development, Displacement, and the Future of the Karbi People

In the heart of Northeast India, the district of Karbi Anglong has become a battleground for development, displacement, and the preservation of indigenous rights. The proposed 1,000 MW solar power plant, among other large corporate projects, has sparked concerns over land, livelihoods, and the future of the Karbi people.

Unfulfilled Promises of Power and Revenue

Retired IAS officer and President of the All-Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), John Ingti Kathar, shares his perspective on the impact of large-scale projects on the region. He points to the Amtereng hydel project, built by the Assam government, as a case in point. Despite the project, Karbi Anglong still struggles with power shortages, as all the generated electricity is sent to Kahilipara.

Kathar also notes that Karbi Anglong did not receive any revenue from the project, as it is registered in Kahilipara, not Karbi Anglong. The Autonomous Council also lost potential revenue. Employment opportunities were promised but not delivered, with only a few local laborers hired, who were later transferred elsewhere.

Environmental Concerns and the Destruction of Paddy Fields

Kathar raises concerns about the environmental impact of such mega projects, citing the destruction of about 18,000 bighas of land for the proposed solar power plant. He also points to the loss of precious paddy fields, a rare resource in the hills, as a significant blow to food security and livelihoods.

The Need for Micro-Hydel Projects and the Struggle for Autonomy

Kathar advocates for micro-hydel projects instead of mega projects, as they would benefit local communities more effectively. He shares his personal experience with a micro-hydel project at Besithor, which was rejected by the Assam Energy Development Agency due to concerns that it would only benefit local people.

Kathar argues that the government does not want development that stays within Karbi Anglong, as it challenges the status quo and the interests of large corporations. He also discusses the struggle for autonomy, highlighting the failure to implement the Sixth Schedule and the consequent loss of tribal land and identity.

The Identity Crisis and the Future of the Karbi People

Kathar discusses the identity crisis facing the Karbi people, with their numbers dwindling to about 40% of the population. He attributes this to deliberate policies and political manipulation by successive Assam governments, as well as the failure to properly implement the Sixth Schedule.

The Impact on the North East Region and Beyond

The issues faced by the Karbi people in Karbi Anglong are not unique to the region. Across Northeast India, indigenous communities grapple with similar challenges, as large-scale development projects threaten their land, livelihoods, and cultural identity.

The situation in Karbi Anglong serves as a stark reminder of the need for meaningful consultation with affected communities, the preservation of indigenous rights, and the promotion of sustainable, community-led development.

Reflections and the Path Forward

As the debate over development and displacement continues, it is crucial to remember that progress should not come at the expense of people and their culture. The experiences of the Karbi people in Karbi Anglong offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Northeast India and beyond.