It seems that it is not shameful for our rulers even as it may lower the prestige of the country in the world assembly of humanity. A sizeable number of the population in NE India is still miles away from the process of development initiated by the Governments both in the State and at the Centre. This is despite the fact that the country celebrated its 57th Independence Day on August 15 last year. The hamlet inhabited by a population of about 150 of 26 Hill Tiwa families of Karbi Anglong, is about seven kilometres inside the blacktopped Nellie-Ulukhunji Road. Nellie in the State's Morigaon District is at about 11 km north of this hamlet. But still, these people are living on the fringe area of development. They practice the slash and burn Jhum system of cultivation to eke out their living, and, partly, they are also food gatherers in their habits. Theirs is a kind of matrilineal society, although in their Shamati