Call for solution of Dimasa problem

GUWAHATI, Aug 24 – The Dimasa People’s Council (DPC), an umbrella organization of the Dimasa civil society organizations, has appealed to both the government and the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) to work towards the solution of the Dimasa problem, rather than aggravating it.
Expressing concern over the “ultimatum given by the DHD” regarding their demand of Dimaraji, the DPC members today alleged that the government, instead of solving the problems, is rather complicating the peace process by its ‘delaying tactics’ which create a confusing situation, which may ultimately instigate the militant outfits on ceasefire to return to violent means.

“We have learnt through media reports that the DHD has given October 2, 2010 as the ultimatum to concede their demand of Dimaraji to the Government of India. We are shocked to learn that the group would consider the option of going back to jungles, if it does not get a favourable response from the government,” said Sanmoni Kemprai, general secretary of the DPC, addressing a press meet here.

The DHD came into a cease-fire agreement with the government in 2003 and started the tripartite talks with the Union and State governments on their various demands including creation of ‘Dimaraji’ for safeguard and speedy development of the people living in the proposed Dimaraji area.

“We have also come to know that that the DHD strongly feels that the government has no clear-cut policy on the solution of the Dimasa problem and the outfit is disheartened as no fruitful and acceptable result has come up yet despite holding tripartite talks for seven long years,” he added.

Also criticizing PC Haldar for not taking seriously his role as interlocutor to talk with the DHD and other militant groups, the Dimasa organizations said that Haldar needs to get more involved with the peace process, without wasting much time in research and studies.

“We expect him to be more serious on the issue and he should also take into confidence the civil society bodies,” Mrinal Kanti Phonglo, working president of the DPC, mentioned.

“The civil society bodies think that this ultimatum and the threat to pull out from the peace process and go back to the jungles will jeopardize the whole peace process undertaken by the government with the DHD, and would also complicate the peace process with all other militant organizations of North East India,” he added.

Criticizing the State government for not taking interest in solving the militancy problem in the State, the DPC members said that the State government is just passing time in the name of peace talks.

The council members also appealed to the DHD leadership to reconsider their stand of quitting the peace process in the best interest of the people living in the proposed Dimaraji.