Guwahati, July 29 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the state’s indigenous faiths and cultural institutions after meeting Karbi Richo Longsing Ronghang, the traditional Karbi king, and members of his customary council of ministers, known as the Lingdokpo.
The meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s office in the Assam Legislative Assembly complex, where Sarma interacted with the traditional Karbi leadership on issues relating to the preservation of the community’s cultural and religious heritage.
Sharing details of the meeting in a post on X, the Chief Minister described the institution of the Karbi Richo as a symbol of the community’s ancient indigenous traditions and a vital part of Assam’s diverse civilisational legacy.
“Today at my office in the Vidhan Sabha, I met the Karbi Richo, Shri Longsing Ronghang, the customary Karbi King, along with the Lingdokpo — his traditional council of ministers. The institution of the Richo is a remarkable expression of the Karbi people’s ancient indigenous heritage. As the community’s revered moral authority, the Richo has a unique place in Assam’s rich civilisational mosaic,” Sarma said.
He said the state government would continue to safeguard the indigenous faiths and customs of Assam’s tribal communities. “I assured the delegation that our government will remain steadfast in safeguarding Assam’s indigenous faiths from external threats and nefarious designs,” the Chief Minister added.
The office of the Karbi Richo, also known as the Lindokpo or Recho, is one of the oldest traditional institutions of the Karbi community. While it does not exercise political or administrative authority, the Richo is regarded as the supreme customary and moral head of the Karbis and plays an important role in preserving traditional laws, customs, rituals and cultural practices. The institution is supported by a traditional council of ministers, which advises the Richo on community matters.
Longsing Ronghang was installed as the 36th Karbi traditional king in September 2023 following the demise of his predecessor, Ramsing Ronghang. His coronation was conducted in accordance with age-old Karbi customs by traditional functionaries at Ronghang Rongbong, the historic seat of the Karbi monarchy.
The Karbis are one of Assam’s major indigenous tribal communities, residing primarily in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, with significant populations in several other parts of the state. Their traditional institutions continue to hold considerable social, cultural and customary significance despite the existence of modern democratic governance structures.
–IANS
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