SILCHAR: A number of passengers of the Lumding-Silchar Cachar Express were robbed at a place between Lower Haflong and Bagetar stations Dima Hasao district early on Wednesday. At least 25 people, including five women, were injured when the miscreants beat them up. The condition of two among them is serious.
Sources said around 2.45 am on Wednesday, a group of dacoits with their faces covered barged into Coach No. S-6 with sharp weapons and some others went to the general compartment. They looted around 100 passengers in both the compartments.
"Soon after the train left Lower Haflong station, the miscreants knocked at the door of one of the compartments and a passenger allowed them in. At first, they switched off the lights and started beating up the passengers to terrorize them. Then they took away cash, gold ornaments, mobile phones and clothes from them. They got down before the train reached the next station", said one of the passengers.
While the injured passengers were treated at Badarpur Railway Hospital after the train reached there in the morning, two other critical ones were sent to Silchar Medical College Hospital.
The duo has been identiified as K Liapen (26), a BSF official posted in Manipur, and Sampat Roy (23), a resident of Amraghat in Cachar district. Sources said Liapen was later flown to a BSF hospital in Imphal.
"The dacoits snatched away my earrings and chains," said Prabha Devnath, a passenger and resident of Badarpur. The passengers filed an FIR with the GRP at Badarpur. Money and materials to the tune of Rs 5 lakh was looted," a source said.
A GRP officer said a raid has been conducted in the adjoining area with the help of Dima Hasao Police but no one has been arrested yet. The Haflong-Silchar section of the NF Railway frequently witnesses such incidents of decoities.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Dimasa-Kachari community carries out mass social work
Volunteers are seen removing the outgrowths of shrubs and grass at the Kachari Rajbari, Dimapur on Saturday, July 9. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR, JULY 9 (MExN): The Dimasa-Kachari community of Dimapur carried out a mass social work at the Kachari Rajbari on Saturday, July 9. Sited near the Naga Shopping Arcade, the ancient ruins were once the seat of the Kachari Kingdom.
Owing to total negligence, the archaeological relic is now facing the threat of extinction from the effects of the elements as well as human influence. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the protection and maintenance of the site, which is also listed as a ‘protected monument’. The community today expressed dismay at the rather step-motherly treatment meted out to the site of historical importance by the ASI. Repeated appeals in the recent past made to the ASI for its proper upkeeping and protection has come to naught, they said.
During July last year, an official of the ASI based in Guwahati when contacted by this daily had assured to take up restoration works once the rainy season was over. But that assurance, it seems never saw the light of day.
The Kachari Rajbari Preservation Committee had also submitted a representation for provision of beautification, preservation, garden maintenance, security personnel and an office building with research facility to the governor, Nikhil Kumar when he made a visit to the site last year. The governor that time had expressed dismay over the almost non-existent maintenance of the ruins.
Thick outgrowth of grass and shrubs has blanketed the site. The negligence of the responsible agency notwithstanding, the community carried a clean up drive, trying to remove the outgrowths with the basic of implements today.
Owing to total negligence, the archaeological relic is now facing the threat of extinction from the effects of the elements as well as human influence. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the protection and maintenance of the site, which is also listed as a ‘protected monument’. The community today expressed dismay at the rather step-motherly treatment meted out to the site of historical importance by the ASI. Repeated appeals in the recent past made to the ASI for its proper upkeeping and protection has come to naught, they said.
During July last year, an official of the ASI based in Guwahati when contacted by this daily had assured to take up restoration works once the rainy season was over. But that assurance, it seems never saw the light of day.
The Kachari Rajbari Preservation Committee had also submitted a representation for provision of beautification, preservation, garden maintenance, security personnel and an office building with research facility to the governor, Nikhil Kumar when he made a visit to the site last year. The governor that time had expressed dismay over the almost non-existent maintenance of the ruins.
Thick outgrowth of grass and shrubs has blanketed the site. The negligence of the responsible agency notwithstanding, the community carried a clean up drive, trying to remove the outgrowths with the basic of implements today.
Nagaland rebels sneak into Dima Hasao district
A group of 25-30 NSCN (IM) cadres has reportedly sneaked into southern Assam's Dima Hasao district from neighbouring Nagaland. This came to light following the arrest of two members of the militant outfit in Haflong on Wednesday night.
Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided Longme and Suratnagar villages near Haflong, the headquarters of Dima Hasao district, on Wednesday night and arrested the two self-styled senior sergeant majors of NSCN (IM) - W A Amos, alias Momo Anal (39), and Thuingalen Sira, alias Aleng (49) - a senior police officer said on Thursday. No arms or ammunitions were found on them, sources said.
During interrogation, the two militants revealed that a group of 30 NSCN(IM) cadres entered Dima Hasao from Nagaland and Manipur recently. They also confessed to the group carrying sophisticated arms and ammunition with them.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Haflongbar loses Dima Hasao chair - Congress begins internal crackdown
Guwahati/Nagaon, July 2: The ruling Congress has quietly launched an internal crackdown on leaders and members who indulged in anti-party activities during the recently concluded Assembly elections. Though the party managed to register a thumping victory and wrangled 78 out of the 126 Assembly seats, some leaders like the Dima Hasao DCC president, Samarjeet Haflongbar, openly pursued a personal agenda at the cost of party interests. Haflongbar has become the first casualty of the crackdown and has been replaced by Nalendra Karigapsa, a leader allegedly close to former president of the DCC G.C Langthasa, a PCC vice-president and six-time MLA from Haflong. The development has, allegedly, also strengthened Langthasa’s grip on the DCC. Karigapsa was with the BJP before joining the Congress. Though an Assam PCC release issued last evening said state unit president Bhubaneswar Kalita had reconstituted the Dima Hasao DCC by replacing Haflongbar with Karigapsa on June 27 in the “greater interest” of the organisation in the district, sources said the change of guard was due because of mounting complaints against Haflongbar from within the party. Assam PCC sources in Guwahati said the common complaints were that he had worked against Langthasa in the elections; he spent more time in Guwahati than in the district and had not taken measures to improve the health of the party. Rana Khan, PCC secretary in-charge of the district, said Karigapsa had been appointed as the interim president and would be under observation. “We will watch his performance before deciding on his continuance or replacement,” he said. The development comes ahead of the August 18 byelections to one of the 28 constituencies of the district autonomous council, which is now headed by the Congress. Haflongbar, however, has moved the Assam PCC president seeking a review of the decision. He said he had become a victim of a conspiracy hatched by a section of his party workers with vested interests. “I have not received the order replacing me till now. Had I been asked to resign, I might have done that willingly, as the party’s interest is above all for me,” he said. The senior politician, who represented Haflong Assembly constituency as ASDC legislator from 1996 to 2001, joined the Congress in 2007. He was appointed as the district unit chief in 2008. Haflongbar was one of the two Congress candidates elected to the district autonomous council election in 2007. After the arrest of chief executive member Mohit Hojai, Haflongbar took over as the in-charge CEM till Devajeet Thausan replaced him a year later. PCC sources said the four-day wait by the leadership before making the decision public showed it did not want to attract “undue” attention. “It was quiet all this while because it wanted to test the reactions of district party leaders who supported the move. We wanted things to settle down before the formal announcement was made,” one of them said. |
Friday, July 1, 2011
Naga - Dimasa conflict
Mithu Choudhury
The tribal Dimasas have been inhabitants of the land in and around the Dhansiri river since quite long. However the demarcation of the state boundary after the formation of the Nagaland state meant that the contiguous population of the Dimasas and their land across river Dhansiri got divided between Assam and Nagaland.
For those Dimasas whose fate got sealed in Nagaland, life has had been far from normal . Hajadisa is such a village in the Nagaland side where the inhabitant Dimasa population is continuously facing harassment for almost two decades now with the situation particularly plummeting for the worse this year due to continuous encroachment and grabbing of their land .
At the present moment the situation in Hajadisa village is tense following attack and alleged destruction of properties and houses by youths from Khekiho village under Dhansiripar sub-division of Dimapur on 16th and 17th of this month.
Most of the Hajadisa villagers , including the ones who have been directly targeted , refuse to speak and tell the harrowing story of the harassment and torture that they are subjected to out of sheer fear. It was the Chairman of Hajadisa Village Council, Robin Langthasa who spoke up on behalf of his villagers.
He said that around 10 to 15 youths from Khekiho village came to Hajadisa on June 16 last at 7.30 p.m. and beat up Manen Langthasa, the VCM of the village. On June 17, around 30 to 40 youths of Khekiho village came and attacked the villagers and destroyed the household materials worth Rs 10 lakhs, besides taking away valuable goods such as motorcycles and cash amounting around Rs 60,000, he stated.
The Village Council Chairman(VCC) alleged that since the establishment of Khekiho village in 1992, the Khekiho villagers have been encroaching the land of Hajadisa village, which is going on unabated till date.
“The Hajadisa Village Council has been complaining against illegal encroachment to the district administration again and again but so far no concrete action has been taken by the authorities,” the VC Chairman alleged.
Narrating the series of incidents in Hajadisa village, the VC Chairman said that on April 26th last, a group of people numbering around 90 from Khekiho village forcefully ploughed a portion of land belonging to Devo and Subendra of Hajadisa and planted turmeric. “To add to the woes and resentment of our humble people, the Head GB of Khekiho village obstructed the ongoing construction of Hajadisa Village Gate and physically assaulted the artisans,” he said. The Chairman further said that some of the Hajadisa villagers were later falsely implicated on charge of having attempted to take the GB’s life and the matter was reported to the police for which they were summoned and interrogated on June 7.
The VCC said that despite several complaints to the ex-Minister and present Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomi for settlement of the said issue, they have not received any positive response so far.
The desperation of the Naga victimizers is clearly showing this month with stepped up targeting of the Dimasas in Hajadisa . On 11th June , around 5 persons came to meet the VCC of Hajadisa and later went to two residences of Bodo Kacharis, who are permanent inhabitants of the village , and warned them to vacate the land and move to their own native place within June 15th by falsely impressing that the plots have been bought by the Khekiho village.
Again on June 12th , around 8 persons arrived at Hajadisa and pelted stones on the light bulbs and destroyed the existing drinking ring well without any reason. Even on June 18th last, around 10 to 12 persons from Khekiho village came on an auto rickshaw and beat up 5 persons, informed Langthasa.
“These incidents of obstructing the gate construction, repeated land encroachment and physical harassment to the villagers by them clearly indicates the motive that they have the single minded intention to drive away the Hajadisa villagers and grab the entire village ,” the Chairman said.
The Village Council has made an appeal to the law enforcing agencies to intervene and settle the matter at the earliest. It has also appealed to all the right thinking and likeminded citizens, unions and organizations to condemn such inhuman acts and torture directed at the Hajadisa villagers. It is lear nt that an FIR has been lodged with the police by the Hajadisa Village Council in this connection.
Although the Hajadisa villagers cannot speak up openly for fear , but through media sources in Nagaland it has come to light that Khekiho is actually Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomis village and he is the one who is masterminding these offences by instigating the Naga youths to attack the Dimasa villagers of Hajadisa.
The Dima Halam Daogah(DHD), the Dimasa group in ceasefire now with the Govt of India, has also leveled the same allegation. It is apparent that the main ambition behind such eviction is to forcefully and illegally occupy the agricultural land property of the Dimasa villagers who are the rightful owners .
The Nagas have been illegally occupying the land property of the Dimasa villagers in these areas since long back. The minority Dimasa villagers, numbering around 500, who are Hindu by religion , are being tortured & evicted by majority Nagas who are Christian by faith .Interestingly, the Hebron camp of the NSCN –IM lies very close to this place…...one hopes that there is nothing more to it than mere geographical proximity.
The Peoples’ Supreme Council of Dimaraji, Dima Halam Daogah (DHD)/Sengya Bojhom through an issued release have strongly condemned the ruthless attack on the rural poor agriculturists of Dimasa village of Hajadisa by a group of Naga youths, particularly the one that happened on the night of June 17th .
The release issued by the organization’s publicity secretary, Ringbar Diphusa stated that more than 15 houses of the villagers were broken and evicted while one elderly Dimasa woman was injured. The firings by the Naga miscreants are still continuing in the nearby areas to threaten Dimasa villagers, charge the DHD.
Alleging that the ambition behind such eviction is to forcefully and illegally occupy the agricultural land property of the villagers, the DHD claimed that despite several complaints, the Government of Nagaland has not taken any action to check such illegal atrocities.
The DHD also rued the inaction on the part of the Central Govt and urged the concerned authorities to take prompt action to stop such illegal human activities.
One might recollect that just a couple of years back bloody clashes had broken out in NC Hills dist (now Dima Hasao)of Assam between the local Dimasas and the Jemi Nagas ,who are settled there since a long time.
The tribal Dimasas have been inhabitants of the land in and around the Dhansiri river since quite long. However the demarcation of the state boundary after the formation of the Nagaland state meant that the contiguous population of the Dimasas and their land across river Dhansiri got divided between Assam and Nagaland.
For those Dimasas whose fate got sealed in Nagaland, life has had been far from normal . Hajadisa is such a village in the Nagaland side where the inhabitant Dimasa population is continuously facing harassment for almost two decades now with the situation particularly plummeting for the worse this year due to continuous encroachment and grabbing of their land .
At the present moment the situation in Hajadisa village is tense following attack and alleged destruction of properties and houses by youths from Khekiho village under Dhansiripar sub-division of Dimapur on 16th and 17th of this month.
Most of the Hajadisa villagers , including the ones who have been directly targeted , refuse to speak and tell the harrowing story of the harassment and torture that they are subjected to out of sheer fear. It was the Chairman of Hajadisa Village Council, Robin Langthasa who spoke up on behalf of his villagers.
He said that around 10 to 15 youths from Khekiho village came to Hajadisa on June 16 last at 7.30 p.m. and beat up Manen Langthasa, the VCM of the village. On June 17, around 30 to 40 youths of Khekiho village came and attacked the villagers and destroyed the household materials worth Rs 10 lakhs, besides taking away valuable goods such as motorcycles and cash amounting around Rs 60,000, he stated.
The Village Council Chairman(VCC) alleged that since the establishment of Khekiho village in 1992, the Khekiho villagers have been encroaching the land of Hajadisa village, which is going on unabated till date.
“The Hajadisa Village Council has been complaining against illegal encroachment to the district administration again and again but so far no concrete action has been taken by the authorities,” the VC Chairman alleged.
Narrating the series of incidents in Hajadisa village, the VC Chairman said that on April 26th last, a group of people numbering around 90 from Khekiho village forcefully ploughed a portion of land belonging to Devo and Subendra of Hajadisa and planted turmeric. “To add to the woes and resentment of our humble people, the Head GB of Khekiho village obstructed the ongoing construction of Hajadisa Village Gate and physically assaulted the artisans,” he said. The Chairman further said that some of the Hajadisa villagers were later falsely implicated on charge of having attempted to take the GB’s life and the matter was reported to the police for which they were summoned and interrogated on June 7.
The VCC said that despite several complaints to the ex-Minister and present Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomi for settlement of the said issue, they have not received any positive response so far.
The desperation of the Naga victimizers is clearly showing this month with stepped up targeting of the Dimasas in Hajadisa . On 11th June , around 5 persons came to meet the VCC of Hajadisa and later went to two residences of Bodo Kacharis, who are permanent inhabitants of the village , and warned them to vacate the land and move to their own native place within June 15th by falsely impressing that the plots have been bought by the Khekiho village.
Again on June 12th , around 8 persons arrived at Hajadisa and pelted stones on the light bulbs and destroyed the existing drinking ring well without any reason. Even on June 18th last, around 10 to 12 persons from Khekiho village came on an auto rickshaw and beat up 5 persons, informed Langthasa.
“These incidents of obstructing the gate construction, repeated land encroachment and physical harassment to the villagers by them clearly indicates the motive that they have the single minded intention to drive away the Hajadisa villagers and grab the entire village ,” the Chairman said.
The Village Council has made an appeal to the law enforcing agencies to intervene and settle the matter at the earliest. It has also appealed to all the right thinking and likeminded citizens, unions and organizations to condemn such inhuman acts and torture directed at the Hajadisa villagers. It is lear nt that an FIR has been lodged with the police by the Hajadisa Village Council in this connection.
Although the Hajadisa villagers cannot speak up openly for fear , but through media sources in Nagaland it has come to light that Khekiho is actually Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomis village and he is the one who is masterminding these offences by instigating the Naga youths to attack the Dimasa villagers of Hajadisa.
The Dima Halam Daogah(DHD), the Dimasa group in ceasefire now with the Govt of India, has also leveled the same allegation. It is apparent that the main ambition behind such eviction is to forcefully and illegally occupy the agricultural land property of the Dimasa villagers who are the rightful owners .
The Nagas have been illegally occupying the land property of the Dimasa villagers in these areas since long back. The minority Dimasa villagers, numbering around 500, who are Hindu by religion , are being tortured & evicted by majority Nagas who are Christian by faith .Interestingly, the Hebron camp of the NSCN –IM lies very close to this place…...one hopes that there is nothing more to it than mere geographical proximity.
The Peoples’ Supreme Council of Dimaraji, Dima Halam Daogah (DHD)/Sengya Bojhom through an issued release have strongly condemned the ruthless attack on the rural poor agriculturists of Dimasa village of Hajadisa by a group of Naga youths, particularly the one that happened on the night of June 17th .
The release issued by the organization’s publicity secretary, Ringbar Diphusa stated that more than 15 houses of the villagers were broken and evicted while one elderly Dimasa woman was injured. The firings by the Naga miscreants are still continuing in the nearby areas to threaten Dimasa villagers, charge the DHD.
Alleging that the ambition behind such eviction is to forcefully and illegally occupy the agricultural land property of the villagers, the DHD claimed that despite several complaints, the Government of Nagaland has not taken any action to check such illegal atrocities.
The DHD also rued the inaction on the part of the Central Govt and urged the concerned authorities to take prompt action to stop such illegal human activities.
One might recollect that just a couple of years back bloody clashes had broken out in NC Hills dist (now Dima Hasao)of Assam between the local Dimasas and the Jemi Nagas ,who are settled there since a long time.
Student leaders held for extortion charges
SILCHAR: Police on Tuesday arrested two North Cachar Hills Indigenous Students' Forum (NCHISF) leaders on the charge of carrying out extortion in Dima Hasao district on Tuesday. They were accused of serving "demand notes" to a number of government departments in the hill district.
Acting on the basis of complaints filed by officials of several government departments and cases filed by police, a team of security forces, led by additional superintendent of police (Dima Hasao) Surjit Singh Panisar, raided the houses of NCHISF president L Lima Kevom and general secretary Seimingthang Thangew in Haflong and arrested them around 4 am.
A police officer in Haflong, the headquarters of Dima Hasao district, said the two student leaders were being interrogated in the Haflong police station.
ISF on Hunger strike
Demanding immediate Bifurcation of North Cachar Hills district into two Autonomous Districts under 3(c) of Article 244(2) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, the Indigenous Students’ Forum is observing hunger strike in front the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao District from 9.00 am today (Thursday) to 5 pm on Friday.
It is learnt that the Govt of Assam had constituted a Group of Ministers to look into the demand for bifurcation of the N C Hills District by the indigenous People’s Forum on 16th July 2010. However, without having a single talk with the IPF, the group had to be dissolved again with the emergence of the Assam Assembly election in April 2011. And after the formation of new Govt. the group has yet to be set up.
They also threatened the Government to resort to more agitation programme if the government fails to solve their demand immediately.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
GC Langthasa wins for the sixth term
Anup Biswas
Sri Gobinda Chandra Langthasa wins the lone assembly constituency of Dima Hasao district, the 16 – Haflong, for the 6th term defeating his nearest BJP candidate Kulendra Daulagupu by the margin of above 25488 votes. Langthasa secured the total votes of 38076 when BJP candidate gets 12588, ASDC candidate Mohet Hojai gets 10,361 and Ijirangbe Jeme of AGP gets 5732 only.
Congratulating the people of Dima Hasao District and the District Administrative machineries for the maintenance of peaceful environment during the just completed Assembly Election in this district, G C Langthasa newly elected MLA expressed satisfaction as there was not a single incidence of disorder or unlawful and the people could cast their votes free and fairly.
Langthas conveyed his hearty thanks to all the people of Dima Hasao District who voted him again to represent in the Assam Assembly. He was very much thankful to all the District Congress Workers who worked hard in the interest of Congress Party and paved the way for him to win this election from this 16 - Haflong (ST) Assembly Constituency of Dima Hasao District. He also expressed his gratitude to the Members of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council who campaigned for him as a Congress Candidate and enabled him to win this election. Langthasa said ‘Now the responsibility is vested on me to take lead for all round , development of this backward Hill District and I hope that, with the sincere cooperation of the people of this district the expected development will usher into this district with the help of favourable actions of the Assam State and Central Governments.
‘Within the tenure of coming 5 (five) years my priority will be the road communication, drinking water facility, rural electrification, standardisation of education in rural areas, upliftment of living standard of rural people and to create the scope for the job oriented Higher Technical Education within this district.’
Monday, February 28, 2011
People of Maibang hails the NF Railway
Anup Biswas
Expressing great satisfaction for the resumption of ‘Hill Queen Express’ in between Lumding – Lower Haflong, members of Dishru Cultural Club, Youths Council for Development and the people of Maibang offered heartfelt thanks to the authority of N F Railway for their positive gesture and fulfilling their promises.
The ‘Hill Queen Express’ running in between Lumding – Lower Haflong connecting ‘Jansatabdi Express’ at Lumding is considered to be the prestige of Dima Hasao district as it was named after the hill district of Assam. The N F Railway had suspended the train for the running of goods train carrying food stuffs to the southern Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram resulting to utter inconvenience to the people of Dima Hasao in particular.
Several organizations of Maibang had earlier on February 7th submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager, Lumding for the restoration of the ‘Hills Queen Express running in between Lumding – Lower Haflong. As the DRM, NR Railway did not respond to their memorandum, demanding immediate resumption of ‘Hill Queen Express’, several organizations of Maibang like Youth Council for Development, Dishru Cultural Club, J. B. Hagjer Club, Dimasa Women Society, Maibang Sports Association etc. organized 100 hours Rail Blockade from 6 AM of 25th February at Maibang Railway station.
The railway representatives from Lumding held discussion with the representatives of Youth Council for Development, Disru Cultural Club, J. B. Hagjer Club, Dimasa Women Society, Maibang Sports Association etc at Maibang reached an amicable solution of restoration of Hill Queen Express’ within ten days. Following the assurance from the Railway, 100 hours Rail Blockade from 6 AM of 25th February was called off
Meanwhile, members of Dishru Cultural Club, Youths Council for Development extended full support to the railway staffs for smooth running and even to check the ticket less travelers while appealing all the people to travel this train with proper ticket.
Rail Blockade called off
Demanding immediate resumption of ‘Hill Queen Express’, several organizations of Maibang like Youth Council for Development, Dishru Cultural Club, J. B. Hagjer Club, Dimasa Women Society, Maibang Sports Association etc and people from Kalachand organized 100 hours Rail Blockade from 6 AM of February 25 at Maibang Railway station.
They had earlier on February 7 submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager, Lumding for the restoration of the ‘Hills Queen Express running in between Lumding – Lower Haflong. As the DRM, NR Railway did not respond to their memorandum, they have decided to go for 100 hours Rail Blockade.
Thousands of people take part in the 100 hours Rail Blockade at Maibang.
The railway representatives from Lumding held discussion with the representatives of Youth Council for Development, Dishru Cultural Club, J. B. Hagjer Club, Dimasa Women Society, Maibang Sports Association etc in presence M. Nath, SDO ( C ), Maibang reached an amicable solution of restoration of Hill Queen Express’ within ten days..
Following the assurance from the Railway, 100 hours Rail Blockade was called off.
Plea to resume Hills Queen Silchar: A
SILCHAR: A delegation of Public Services Forum (PSF) has met Northeast Frontier Railway general manager Keshav Chandra to highlight the problems arising out of suspension of the Hills Queen Special Train which plies between Lumding and Lower Haflong.
The train is not operating for more than a month now. Led by president Kulendra Daulagupu and joint secretary Liton Chakraborty, the members of the organization on Friday told Chandra that the people of Dima Hasao district are been facing a lot of hardships following suspension of the service as the train serves as link to the Jana Satabdi Express, thereby providing better connectivity between Guwahati and Haflong.
Since the introduction of this special train in 2008, it has always benefited students pursuing higher studies, patients undergoing treatment in Guwahati and traders. The prolonged period of suspension of this train has badly affected the socio-economic life of the people of Dima Hasao district, said the members of the delegation.
The train is not operating for more than a month now. Led by president Kulendra Daulagupu and joint secretary Liton Chakraborty, the members of the organization on Friday told Chandra that the people of Dima Hasao district are been facing a lot of hardships following suspension of the service as the train serves as link to the Jana Satabdi Express, thereby providing better connectivity between Guwahati and Haflong.
Since the introduction of this special train in 2008, it has always benefited students pursuing higher studies, patients undergoing treatment in Guwahati and traders. The prolonged period of suspension of this train has badly affected the socio-economic life of the people of Dima Hasao district, said the members of the delegation.
State lacks teeth to thwart Ulfa attacks
GUWAHATI: Assam lacks security personnel to counter any possible attempt from Ulfa hardliners led by commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to punish Congressmen with armed attacks for splitting their organisation.
At present, the strength of paramilitary forces deployed in Assam to aid the state force is just 62 companies and police claim the figure is the lowest ever. Sources in the government said the police administration has informed the Election Commission that holding of the coming assembly elections without additional manpower was impossible.
"The police department wants at least 300 companies of additional forces if the polls are to be held in a free and fair way," a source said.
The demand for more additional forces received a shot in the arm when militants allegedly belonging to Ulfa's hardline group shot at a Congress panchayat leader at Makum in Tinsukia district on Monday night. There is a sizeable deployment of army personnel in the state engaged in counter-insurgency operations but they are not used for election duty.
Sources said the total strength of Assam Police is close to 70,000. But less than half this number was actually available for maintaining law and order. There are 14 Assam Police battalions, four from the task force and six from Indian Reserve Battalions. They together account for about 24,000 police personnel, who serve as reserve force.
Again, an astonishing 5,000 personnel are engaged in providing security to ministers, VIPs and high-ranking police officials in addition to about 500 personnel security officers attached to other important people. There will be some on training and deputation outside the state, in CID, BIEO, anti-corruption, fire service and house guards, leaving just about 30,000 for deployment in Ground Zero.
"There will be attempts by Ulfa, NDFB (anti-talks), Karbi and Dimasa factions to create trouble during elections and we need to contain them. This is an added responsibility apart from election duty," said a senior police officer
.
At present, the strength of paramilitary forces deployed in Assam to aid the state force is just 62 companies and police claim the figure is the lowest ever. Sources in the government said the police administration has informed the Election Commission that holding of the coming assembly elections without additional manpower was impossible.
"The police department wants at least 300 companies of additional forces if the polls are to be held in a free and fair way," a source said.
The demand for more additional forces received a shot in the arm when militants allegedly belonging to Ulfa's hardline group shot at a Congress panchayat leader at Makum in Tinsukia district on Monday night. There is a sizeable deployment of army personnel in the state engaged in counter-insurgency operations but they are not used for election duty.
Sources said the total strength of Assam Police is close to 70,000. But less than half this number was actually available for maintaining law and order. There are 14 Assam Police battalions, four from the task force and six from Indian Reserve Battalions. They together account for about 24,000 police personnel, who serve as reserve force.
Again, an astonishing 5,000 personnel are engaged in providing security to ministers, VIPs and high-ranking police officials in addition to about 500 personnel security officers attached to other important people. There will be some on training and deputation outside the state, in CID, BIEO, anti-corruption, fire service and house guards, leaving just about 30,000 for deployment in Ground Zero.
"There will be attempts by Ulfa, NDFB (anti-talks), Karbi and Dimasa factions to create trouble during elections and we need to contain them. This is an added responsibility apart from election duty," said a senior police officer
.
DHD(J) calls off rail blockade
SILCHAR: Surrendered rebels belonging to DHD (J) have withdrawn their indefinite railway blockade in Dima Hasao district from February 22. The outfit has also decided to suspend their agitation to halt work on gauge conversion and the East-West Corridor project in the district from the same day.
The railway blockade was called seeking the release of DHD(J) commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa. The Dimasa rebel leaders were arrested in connection with the Rs 1000-crore scam in the hills district. They are now in NIA custody.
On Tuesday, DHD (J) publicity secretary Bele Dimasa said they had temporarily suspended the agitation considering the woes of people of the region. "We understand that people of the region will sufferer a lot by the indefinite railway blockade as the Lumding-Silchar section of NF Railway is the lifeline of this region. We also believe that the two mega projects, including gauge conversion and the East-West Corridor plan, should be implemented for the sake of the region. But we will restart our agitation if the our leaders are not released," added Bele.
He said the government was undermining the DHD(J) rebels who surrendered en-masse on Gandhi Jayanti in 2009 for the cause of peace in Dima Hasao and government promised to fulfill their demands, including proper rehabilitation for all militants of the outfit.
"The government is soft to Ulfa. But the demands of DHD(J) militants have no relevance for them. We will not tolerate this and are ready to go back to the jungles," he warned.
The railway blockade was called seeking the release of DHD(J) commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa. The Dimasa rebel leaders were arrested in connection with the Rs 1000-crore scam in the hills district. They are now in NIA custody.
On Tuesday, DHD (J) publicity secretary Bele Dimasa said they had temporarily suspended the agitation considering the woes of people of the region. "We understand that people of the region will sufferer a lot by the indefinite railway blockade as the Lumding-Silchar section of NF Railway is the lifeline of this region. We also believe that the two mega projects, including gauge conversion and the East-West Corridor plan, should be implemented for the sake of the region. But we will restart our agitation if the our leaders are not released," added Bele.
He said the government was undermining the DHD(J) rebels who surrendered en-masse on Gandhi Jayanti in 2009 for the cause of peace in Dima Hasao and government promised to fulfill their demands, including proper rehabilitation for all militants of the outfit.
"The government is soft to Ulfa. But the demands of DHD(J) militants have no relevance for them. We will not tolerate this and are ready to go back to the jungles," he warned.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Top Dimasa militant shot dead in Dima Hasao
SILCHAR: Security forces gunned down the chairman of the Dima National Democratic Front (DNDF), a Dimasa militant outfit, during an encounter in southern Assam's Dima Hasao district on Tuesday.
" Janata Maramsa, alias Bihari Dimasa (28), was killed during a gunbattle that took place around 4.45 pm at Tera village near Dihangi, about 50 km from Haflong," said a senior police officer.
A joint team of Army and police personnel had launched a combing operation at Tera, considered a stronghold of the Dimasa militants, to flush out the DNDF rebels, he said.
"On seeing the security team, the DNDF militants started firing at them. In retaliation, the securitymen gunned down Bihari. However, his accomplices managed to escape," the officer added.
Superintendent of police (Dima Hasao) V K Ramee Shetty said an AK 47 rifle and a .9 mm pistol were found on the slain militant. His body was brought to Haflong civil hospital for autopsy, he said.
Bihari was earlier a member of the DHD (J). When the outfit laid down arms on October 2, 2009, he, along with some of his comrades, abstained from surrendering and formed DNDF in February last year. According to sources, DNDF has been involved in a number of blasts in the hills district and is extortion people, mostly traders, for the last few years.
" Janata Maramsa, alias Bihari Dimasa (28), was killed during a gunbattle that took place around 4.45 pm at Tera village near Dihangi, about 50 km from Haflong," said a senior police officer.
A joint team of Army and police personnel had launched a combing operation at Tera, considered a stronghold of the Dimasa militants, to flush out the DNDF rebels, he said.
"On seeing the security team, the DNDF militants started firing at them. In retaliation, the securitymen gunned down Bihari. However, his accomplices managed to escape," the officer added.
Superintendent of police (Dima Hasao) V K Ramee Shetty said an AK 47 rifle and a .9 mm pistol were found on the slain militant. His body was brought to Haflong civil hospital for autopsy, he said.
Bihari was earlier a member of the DHD (J). When the outfit laid down arms on October 2, 2009, he, along with some of his comrades, abstained from surrendering and formed DNDF in February last year. According to sources, DNDF has been involved in a number of blasts in the hills district and is extortion people, mostly traders, for the last few years.
DHD(J) calls indefinite rail blockade
SILCHAR: Rebels belonging to DHD(J) have threatened to start an indefinite railway blockade in Dima Hasao district since 5 am on February 22 in protest against the arrest of a couple of its top leaders. They have also decided to halt work on gauge conversion and the East-West Corridor project in the district from the same day.
The reaction of DHD (J) comes at a time when senior Ulfa leaders have been released from jail to facilitate peace talks.
On Tuesday, DHD (J) vice-president Paiprang Dimasa said they deferred the date for starting the stir by a week from February 15 to pave the way for the release of commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa. The outfit has warned of backing out from the proposed peace process "if the the government treats them in a step-motherly manner."
"We surrendered arms en-masse on October 2, 2009, honouring the positive approach towards a peaceful and meaningful settlement by both the state and the Centre. We have been abiding by the groundrules laid down during the bilateral discussions with the government. In spite of our full cooperation, we have reasons to believe that there are certain vested interests creating hindrances to derail the peace settlement," added the DHD (J) vice-president. He said , "It's beyond our understanding as to why we are being repeatedly harassed by security personnel."
On July 1 last year, a DHD(J) leader was arrested by NIA in spite of surrendering of arms by rebels of the outfit. "We consider this as an act of betrayal towards our organization and the people of Dima Hasao district. We urge upon and request the government to take our demands seriously and treat our organization with respect which represents the aspirations of people of the hills district," said Piaprang.
The vice-president said they condemn the arrest of commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa and urged upon the government to release them without any further delay. He added that due consideration of their demands will ensure overall peace and development in the Barail region.
The reaction of DHD (J) comes at a time when senior Ulfa leaders have been released from jail to facilitate peace talks.
On Tuesday, DHD (J) vice-president Paiprang Dimasa said they deferred the date for starting the stir by a week from February 15 to pave the way for the release of commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa. The outfit has warned of backing out from the proposed peace process "if the the government treats them in a step-motherly manner."
"We surrendered arms en-masse on October 2, 2009, honouring the positive approach towards a peaceful and meaningful settlement by both the state and the Centre. We have been abiding by the groundrules laid down during the bilateral discussions with the government. In spite of our full cooperation, we have reasons to believe that there are certain vested interests creating hindrances to derail the peace settlement," added the DHD (J) vice-president. He said , "It's beyond our understanding as to why we are being repeatedly harassed by security personnel."
On July 1 last year, a DHD(J) leader was arrested by NIA in spite of surrendering of arms by rebels of the outfit. "We consider this as an act of betrayal towards our organization and the people of Dima Hasao district. We urge upon and request the government to take our demands seriously and treat our organization with respect which represents the aspirations of people of the hills district," said Piaprang.
The vice-president said they condemn the arrest of commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and chairman Jewel Gorlosa and urged upon the government to release them without any further delay. He added that due consideration of their demands will ensure overall peace and development in the Barail region.
NDFB-P blockade chokes highways
Kokrajhar, Feb. 15: The 24-hour economic blockade imposed by the pro-talks National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive) from 5 this morning choked crucial highways which connect the Northeast with the rest of the country.
Hundreds of trucks were stranded on National Highway 31, 31C, 37 and 52 while supporters of the blockade staged demonstrations in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Dhubri, Baksa and Udalguri.
At Rowta, bandh supporters damaged an ASTC bus and a Maruti van.
The NDFB (P), which has been in ceasefire with the Centre, imposed the blockade demanding an early solution to the Bodoland problem.
“Six years have passed since the ceasefire agreement was signed between the NDFB and the government of India but no progress has taken place because of the negative attitude on the part of the government. The political dialogue with the NDFB (P) is stagnant because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Indian government towards finding a solution. The way the government should have proceeded with the peace negotiation, was not done,” said NDFB assistant publicity secretary R. Dauka.
The outfit also expressed unhappiness over the way Ulfa is being treated.
“Though they (Ulfa) came here (overground) much later, they are being given much importance. Treat us like Ulfa by giving us equal importance. We want the government of India to take forward the peace process and solve the Bodo problem through political dialogue. We would be forced to take more steps if the government of India continues this attitude towards solving the problem,” the NDFB leader said.
The blockade comes in the wake of talks between the Centre and Ulfa leaders in Delhi.
The All Bodo Students Union (Absu) has also demanded “Ulfa-like treatment” with other militant outfits like the NDFB, the UPDS and the DHD(J) saying that such discrimination could have adverse impact on the militant groups which have come forward for peace negotiation.
“The government should treat all organisations equally and sit for peace talks without any discrimination. If the government is giving importance to Ulfa, the same treatment should be given to other tribal groups,” Absu president Promode Boro said.
The DHD (Jewel), on the other hand, postponed its indefinite blockade on the metre gauge section in Dima Hasao district and highways to both Guwahati and Cachar to February 21.
The vice-chairman of the outfit, Phaiprang Dimasa, today said they have postponed the blockade to give both the Centre and Assam government more time to consider the release of the DHD (J) chief, Jewel Gorlosa, and its deputy commander, Niranjan Hojai, from jail.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
DHD-J bandh from Tuesday
Silchar, Feb. 12: The Jewel Gorlosa group of the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) has called an indefinite blockade of trains in the hill section metre gauge line and of vehicles on the road link to lower Assam via Lumding in Dima Hasao district from 5am on February 15.
The bandh has been called to demand the release of the outfit’s chairman Jewel Gorlosa and deputy commander Niranjan Hojai. The cadres of the outfit had laid down arms on October 2, 2009 in the presence of chief minister Tarun Gogoi but its two leaders are lodged in a jail in Guwahati.
The bandh will also effect the construction of the East-West expressway and the gauge conversion project in the district.
DHD (J) vice-chairman Phaiprang Dimasa said over phone from Haflong today that the indefinite bandh would cover the construction of the East-West expressway from Silchar to Porbandar in Gujarat and upgradation of the metre gauge rail line, passing through Dima Hasao areas, into broad gauge.
He warned that if the Union and state governments continued to harbour “a stepmotherly feeling towards the Jewel group, then it would have no alternative other than return to the jungles.”
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tribal rebel outfits pressure Assam for leaders' release
Tribal insurgent outfits have stepped up pressure on the Assam government for their leaders' release from jail, peeved over the perceived priority being accorded to freeing leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) for facilitating peace talks. Pointing out that there is more to militancy in the state than the Ulfa, the rebel outfits are unwilling to wait.
The Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) group (better known as the 'Black Widow') for instance, has threatened a return to the "bad old days" from February 15 if its chairman Jewel Garlossa and commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai are not freed. The outfit had laid down arms in October 2009.
The Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) group (better known as the 'Black Widow') for instance, has threatened a return to the "bad old days" from February 15 if its chairman Jewel Garlossa and commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai are not freed. The outfit had laid down arms in October 2009.
"We want our leaders released or Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) will burn from the morning of February 15. For starters, we will not allow trains to run besides disrupting work on the East-West Corridor," DHD-J vice-chairman Peipring Dimasa said on Thursday. "The government should learn not to be partial to any group."
The DHD-J had shot to notoriety by blowing up trains and carrying out an ethnic cleansing in which more than 350 people were killed, prior to Garlossa's arrest from Bangalore in June 2009.
The DHD-J had shot to notoriety by blowing up trains and carrying out an ethnic cleansing in which more than 350 people were killed, prior to Garlossa's arrest from Bangalore in June 2009.
The group's nexus with politicians and bureaucrats leading to diversion of development funds was the first assignment of the National Investigation Agency. The National Democratic Front of Boroland has also demanded the release of its chairman Ranjan Daimary, a prime accused in the October 30, 2008, serial blasts that killed 92 persons. To show intent, the outfit abducted six World Wide Fund for Nature volunteers last Sunday. It freed three of them — all women — on Tuesday.
A senior home department officer denied being partial to the Ulfa. "We are accommodative and looking into everything case by case," he said.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Three Dimasa rebels surrender in Haflong
SILCHAR: Three members of the Dima National Democratic Front ( DNDF ), including its chairman, have surrendered before the administration at a ceremony in Haflong, the district headquarters.
The outfit's self-styled chairman' E M Dimasa alias Bidyalal Sanguing, who was a former Congress functionary, second lieutenant' Friendly Dimasa alias Monet Langthasa and lieutenant' Lampu Dimasa alias Prasenjit Haflongbar surrendered before the deputy commissioner (Dima Hasao) Dilip Borthakur on Wednesday. The militants handed over a few arms and ammunition to authorities.
The outfit's self-styled chairman' E M Dimasa alias Bidyalal Sanguing, who was a former Congress functionary, second lieutenant' Friendly Dimasa alias Monet Langthasa and lieutenant' Lampu Dimasa alias Prasenjit Haflongbar surrendered before the deputy commissioner (Dima Hasao) Dilip Borthakur on Wednesday. The militants handed over a few arms and ammunition to authorities.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Gogoi’s multi-crore amnesia ails DSA
Nagaon, Feb. 6: Nearly one-and-a-half years have passed since chief minister Tarun Gogoi promised the people of Dima Hasao that he would upgrade the district’s only playground under a multi-crore rupees infrastructure development project.
Gogoi announced a Rs 50-crore package during a ceremony at the Dima Hasao Sports Association playground on October 2, 2009 that included the infrastructure development of the playground. The lack of drainage system and boundary and players’ accommodation leave the district sports association praying to the weather gods even when a district-level tournament is organised.
“We think the chief minister has forgotten the promise. We are waiting from some support either in cash or kind,” said a sports association officebearer.
The association and its playground in Haflong was established in 1952. The only assets of the organisation include an Assam type office building, an indoor stadium built in 2002 and a gallery along one side of the ground.
“Soon after the chief minister’s Haflong visit, we prepared a masterplan of Rs 5 crore. It included construction of a boundary walls and drainage system, a dormitory where at least six teams can be accommodated and a swimming pool. The proposal was placed before the district autonomous council authorities. We do not know when our dreams will see the light of the day,” the officebearer said.
Recently the association’s playground was named NL Daulogupu Sports Complex.
The general secretary of the sports association, Thai-Tsho Daulogupu, said, “Last time we had to postpone the Nindu Langthasa inter-club football tournament because of bad ground condition. Once this was one of the best grounds for national-level tournaments.”
“We hope the state government might listen to our aspirations for a better sports environmen,” Daulogupu said.
SARAT SARMA
Bisu Dima celebrated in Howraghat
HOWRAGHAT, Feb 3 – The national festival of the Dimasas, Bisu Dima, was celebrated with gaiety in the Howraghat area, especially in the Dimasa-dominated Gajalipar area recently.
The harvest festival is celebrated on January 27 every year and people wish each other. The people of Howraghat area along with other parts of the Dima Hasao district and neighbouring Nagaland celebrated Bisu Dima this time around, too.
The cultural flag at Gujalipar was unfurled by Mothura Phonglosa. He was assisted by Gopan Kemprai. During the daylong programme, Dimasa people celebrated the festival by performing folk dances and singing songs.
Besides, the elderly people were honoured by the young and the young were blessed by elders for happiness, peace and progress.
Everyone jointly partook of the community feast as per tradition later.
The harvest festival is celebrated on January 27 every year and people wish each other. The people of Howraghat area along with other parts of the Dima Hasao district and neighbouring Nagaland celebrated Bisu Dima this time around, too.
The cultural flag at Gujalipar was unfurled by Mothura Phonglosa. He was assisted by Gopan Kemprai. During the daylong programme, Dimasa people celebrated the festival by performing folk dances and singing songs.
Besides, the elderly people were honoured by the young and the young were blessed by elders for happiness, peace and progress.
Everyone jointly partook of the community feast as per tradition later.
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