About aphlc

In the early 1960s, the hills of Assam were brimming with the voices of people yearning for recognition, respect, and autonomy. The indigenous communities, especially in the Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills, had long been marginalized under successive regimes. Their distinct cultural identities, aspirations for self-governance, and the protection of their traditional rights were sidelined, leaving the hill tribes feeling like strangers in their own land. Out of this deep-seated frustration, the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) was born.

APHLC, founded in 1960, was more than just a political party. It was a movement, a cry for self-determination, and a fight to preserve the dignity of the hill tribes under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The party’s formation was a response to the demands of the hill people for a separate state, one where their rights would be preserved and their voices would be heard.

 At the heart of APHLC was the visionary leader Samson Sing Ingti, often referred to as the "Father of Karbi Anglong." His dream was not just to create a separate political entity for the hill tribes but to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of the Karbis, Dimasas, and other tribes would be protected for future generations. Ingti saw the Sixth Schedule as a beacon of hope—a constitutional safeguard to preserve the traditional way of life for the hill people.

Under his leadership, APHLC grew in strength, rallying hill tribes across Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. The party played a key role in advocating for the creation of an autonomous state for the hill people, a demand that resonated with thousands across the region. Ingti’s vision was of a united hill region, where people could govern themselves, protect their lands, and foster development without interference from external political forces.

As APHLC gained momentum, the party faced numerous challenges. The state agencies, recognizing the growing power of the hill movement, employed a divide-and-rule strategy, sowing discord among the various tribal communities. The unity that once bound the tribes together was systematically weakened, with some sections of the population being turned against their own leaders.

Samson Sing Ingti, who once stood as a unifying figure, found himself painted as an enemy by those who opposed his vision. The divide between the leaders and the people deepened, and the dream of a unified hill state began to crumble under the weight of external political manipulation.

In the years that followed, APHLC’s influence waned as the state’s strategy of division succeeded. The movement for autonomy slowed, and the party’s leaders struggled to keep the spirit of unity alive. One figure who remained steadfast in his commitment to Ingti’s vision was J I Kathar, a retired IAS officer and one of the few who continued to campaign for the full implementation of the Sixth Schedule.

Kathar’s unwavering dedication to the cause was met with resistance from the state machinery. Much like Ingti before him, Kathar was vilified by the ruling powers, who projected him as an obstacle to progress. His calls for a return to the original vision of self-governance were dismissed, and his efforts to reignite the spirit of the APHLC were thwarted by those in power.

Today, APHLC’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy. While the party’s early successes in rallying the hill people and advocating for their rights cannot be denied, the movement has been weakened by years of political interference and infighting. The divide-and-rule policies of the state have succeeded in fragmenting the once-unified tribes of Karbi Anglong, leaving the APHLC struggling to recapture the spirit of its early days.

Yet, despite the challenges, the party remains a symbol of hope for many in the region. The dream of Samson Sing Ingti has not been forgotten. His vision for a united hill state, where the tribes can govern themselves and preserve their cultural identities, still lives on in the hearts of those who believe in the APHLC’s mission.

As the region grapples with modern-day challenges—economic development, political marginalization, and the preservation of cultural identity—the story of APHLC serves as a reminder of what the hill tribes once fought for and what they continue to strive towards: autonomy, unity, and respect for their unique way of life.

The All Party Hill Leaders Conference stands as a testament to the resilience of the hill people. Though the party has faced many setbacks, it continues to fight for the rights of the marginalized and forgotten. The dream of autonomy, embodied by leaders like Samson Sing Ingti and J I Kathar, remains a beacon of hope.

The road ahead for APHLC is challenging, but with a renewed commitment to unity and self-governance, the party can still play a crucial role in shaping the future of Karbi Anglong and the surrounding hill regions. The story of APHLC is far from over—it is a story still being written, one that will continue to evolve as long as there are people who believe in the cause of hill autonomy and the preservation of their unique heritage.