Facing extinction, Dimasas seek ULFA support

SILCHAR, Nov 29: Being buoyed that the tripartite talk among the DHD, Union and State Government would ultimately culminate in creating a separate territorial set up for the Dimasas, the Dimasa People’s Council (DPC) sought the intervention of ULFA in helping the various parts, inhabited mostly by the Dimasa, to be included in the new administrative set up. DPC urged ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa to incorporate their demands in ULFA’s charter of demands which would be placed before the Union Government. Rajkhowa, attended a conference of DPC on Monday at Kumacherra where the Dimasa leaders requested him to take up their demands to the national level. Pranay Barman, president and Amlan Barman, general secretary of the DPC said, “at the time of creation of new territorial set up, the Dimasas inhabited villages in Cachar district along with other villages or areas from Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, and Nagaland which were contiguous to Dima Hasao must be merged with new set up else ensuring Dimasa Territorial Accord will be meaningless and there will never be a permanent peace in this part of Assam.”
Claiming themselves as the ‘erstwhile rulers of this land’, the DPC leaders said, it was unfortunate that because of influx they had been reduced microscopic minority. DHD boss Dilip Nunisa said, Dimasas once provided shelter to the displaced Bengalis of the erstwhile East Pakistan on humanitarian ground but today the existence of the Dimasas was in the face of extinction. In this backdrop the Bengalis now should reciprocate the gesture of the Dimasas had once shown and should support the stand of the DPC. However, Nunisa maintained that the government was not looking after the interest of the Hindu Dimasa as he significantly drew a line between Christian and Hindu Dimasas.
DPC leaders on the other hand said, they were hopeful that the governments, both in Delhi and Dispur, had stepped up activities for solving the Dimasa problems by creating a new territorial administrative set up. But at the same time they were apprehensive that Dimasa inhabited villages in Cachar would be left out of the proposed set up. They said, “despite having all the similarities in fields of culture, social, religion, history, language, rites and rituals, the Dimasas of different districts or areas for some unknown reasons, have been given different official recognitions by the government as if they were not one. In Cachar district we have been recognized as Barmans, whereas in Nagaon we are recognized as Hojai Kachari, in Karbi Anglong as Dimasas, in Nagaland as Kachari, in Karimganj as Rukhini Barman and in Dima Hasao as Dimasa Kachari.” They alleged that the discriminatory policy of the government had created confusion not only in terms of recognition but also divided them into small bits by marginalizing them into negligible pockets. They said, a great political blunder was committed at the time of creation of NC Hills Autonomous District Council favouring the Hill Dimasas who constituted only 30 per cent of the total Dimasa population leaving aside the 70 per cent of the Dimasas uncovered and unprotected facing threat to the existence of their identity.

source:asamsentinel.com

Angry mob ransack ASEB offices at Haflong

An angry mob ransacked the offices of Sub-Divisional Officer, Executive Engineer, Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) and Tower & Transmission at Haflong and Lower Haflong today (Monday) in protest against the frequent load shedding and irregular power supply in Dima Hasao.
The mob damaged several computers, cash collection machine and office furniture of these offices as the staffs failed to convince the mob. 
It is learnt that the people of Dima Hasao in general and of Haflong in particular were facing untold inconvenience due to the indifferent attitude of the ASEB authorities to provide proper electric supply. Haflong, the district Head Quarters of Dima Hasao requires only 5.5 MW in peak hours and 3 MW requires during the day hours but the State Load Distribution Centre(SLDC) Guwahati does not allow more than 1.5 MW, following which this artificial power crisis in Dima Hasao is reoccurrence.

 Souece: assamtimes

POHTOS BY: "JINGAI "{NGO}-DIMA HASAO-ASSAM

Haflong (Assam): One person was killed and three others, including two women, were injured in fresh violence in Assam's Dima Hasao district when miscreants attacked an ethnic Dimasa village and set ablaze 16 houses, police said on Sunday.

The attackers swooped down on Gaijan village and torched 16 of the 36 houses there last night killing the man.

Local underground outfit Hills Tiger Force (HTF) has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Police and paramilitary forces have rushed to Gaijan village and security measures were intensified in the district, formerly known as North Cachar Hills district, the police said.

Eight houses were burnt down at Chota Longri village and chief of surrendered insurgent group Dima Hasao Daogah(James) James Dimasa, at Haflong on Friday night.

Police arrested two persons yesterday in connection with the Chota Longri violence and a 12-hour district bandh was observed by All Dimasa Students Union, Dimasa Women Society and Dimasa Mothers Association in protest against it and the killing of Dimasa.

Hunger strike at Haflong in Anna’s Support

Extending support to Anna Hazare and his team's "Anashan " to get Jan Lokpal Bill passed in the Parliament, Several organizations like Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), ASDC Mahila Sangathan, Dimasa Women Society organized Fasting cum Dharna in front the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao District from 7 AM to 5 PM today (Tuesday). 
The Dharna was also participated by Senior Citizens, members of NGOs and other local bodies. They were demanding immediate solution to the Anna’s demand.
Later, they also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India through the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao District.
The memorandum maintained  that amidst staging a fast on 23rd August, 2011 (from 7.00 A.M to 5.00 P.M ) in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner, Haflong as a token of support to Anna Hazare and his team's "Anashan " to get Jan Lokpal Bill passed in the Parliament; the Dima Hasao Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), ASDC Mahila Sangathan, Dimasa Women Society submited the memorandum in brief in this matter. 
In this connection, it may be noted here that in view of rampant corruption which has been reigning in most departments in Dima Hasao district like those prevailing in different parts of the country, it necessitates them to feel that the proposed Bill of Annaji and his team was the need of the hour to check corruption in government departments so that good governance prevails and the economic plight of the poor and down-trodden people were mitigated in the remote areas of the country like Dima Hasao district as well.
They, therefore, along with rest of the country, urged upon the Hon'ble Highest Authority to take necessary steps immediately so as to pass Anna Hazare and his team's proposed Jan Lokpal Bill in the august House of the Parliament of the Country , which was claimed to be the world's largest democracy.
Source: Assam Times

DMA hails State and Central Govt

The Dimasa Mothers' Association (DMA) warmly welcomes the release of Shri Joel Gorlosa, Chairman DHD (J) AND Shri Niranjan Hojai Commander-in-Chief DHD (J) by an interim order on bail 16th August 2011(Tuesday) in the evening.
The DMA extends its thanks and gratitude to the State Government of Assam, and the Central Government including the interlocutor Shri P. C. Haldar for granting an interim release order from jail to DHD (J) leaders to enable them to participate in the formal talk in the interest of peace and development in Dima Hasao District of Assam.
The DMA wishes for a meaningful peace dialogue between the DHD (J) leaders on the one hand and the Government of Assam and the Central Government on the other hand..
The DMA Appeal to the Government of Assam and the Centre to release all the civil and political leaders namely, Shri Mohet Hojai Ex. C.E.M and Shri Golon Daolagupu Ex. E. M. of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, Shri Partho Warisa, Shri Sameer Ahmed and Shri Pojen Hojai on Humanitarian ground. So that no further troubles occurs in the peace loving District.

JNH welcomes DHD(J) leaders

The Jadikhe Naisho Hoshom (JNH) the Dimasa Apex body, Central Committee, extends its heartfelt congratulation and best wishes to Shri Joel Gorlosa, Chairman DHD(J) and Shri Niranjan Hojai Commander-in-Chief DHD(J) on the eve of their release from jail by an interim order on bail in the evening, the 16th day of August, 2011.
The JNH expresses its high sense of thanks and appreciation to the State Govt. of Assam led by Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Tarun Gogol and the Centre for granting such an interim order for release on bail of the jailed DHD(J) leaders to facilitate them to participate in the formal peace talks with the state Govt. of Assam and the Centre in the greater interest of all peace loving people of Dima Hasao District.
The JNH also extends its heartfelt thanks to Shri P.C. Haldar, interlocutor who paved the way for peace process between DHD(J) leaders and the Govt. of Assam and India through his strained and talented efforts.
The JNH wishes that the peace dialogue must bear its intrinsic value for solutions of all problems of Dima Hasao district arising from every corner.
The JNH further appeals to the state and the Central govt. to solve the problems of DHD(Ceasefire Group) led by Shri Dilip Nunisa as Chairman by granting maximum autonomy to Dimasa people living in compact areas in Cachar, Karimganj, Nowgong, Karbi Anglong district of Assam and the Dimapur district of Nagaland for political, economic and cultural protection.
 Source:Assam times.

Recruitment initiative for Dima Hasao youths in armed forces

To assist the youth and contribute effectively in grooming and moulding this young talent full of zeal and enthusiasm, units of the Haflong Army brigade under RED SHIELD DIVISION, have undertaken an initiative to motivate, assist and guide volunteer young men of the district to join the Army and Assam Rifles.
Dima Hasao District (erstwhile NC Hills) of South Assam, has for years borne the brunt of militancy and apathy in terms of development projects and initiatives. As a result, the youth from the district have not had exposure to and awareness of employment opportunities both within the state and outside. 
As part of the initiative the units established Help Desks at Diyungmukh, Thaijuwari, Umrongso, Sangbar, Dihangi and Haflong to provide a single window information on recruitment procedures into the defence services. Interested young men are being interviewed, guided and provided basic training to make them fit for the selection during the various recruitment rallies being organised regularly by the Recruitment Offices at Silchar, Shillong, Dimapur and Nagaon. Information pertaining to the eligibility conditions, selection parameters, conduct of the recruitment process and entrance examinations is provided to the aspirants. These young men are also given a free medical checkup and are thereafter given sustained guidance and training to prepare them for the recruitment. 
The units established Career Counselling and Guidance Cell which screened and groomed more than 100 aspirants for the recruitment rally at Nagaon from 19 to 28 Aug 11.
These initiatives, a first of their kind in the district have generated tremendous confidence, enthusiasm and interest in the people to join the defence services and are in consonance with the primary interest of the Army and Assam Rifles in assisting the youth of the area to become useful citizens of the Nation in this erstwhile militancy affected district. 
Source:Assam times

Garlosa, Hojai granted interim bail

 GUWAHATI, Aug 12 – The Gauhati High Court (GHC) today granted conditional interim bail for a period of four months to DHD (J) chairperson Jewel Garlosa and its ‘commander-in-chief’ Niranjan Hojai in connection with two National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases relating to diversion of public funds for militant activities and abetting waging of war against the Union Government.
The cases were registered under Sec 120(B)/121/121(A) of the IPC read with Sec 16/17/18/19/20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sec 25(1) (d) of the Arms Act.
The Division Bench of the GHC comprising Chief Justice MB Lokur and Justice Hrishikesh Roy passed the bail order after NIA (after discussing with the Union Home Ministry) and the State Government submitted that it had no objection if the duo was granted bail in the interest of the peace process.
The court, however, was of the opinion that liberty should be granted to enable the NIA or the State of Assam to apply for cancellation of bail or modification of the bail conditions, should it be necessary at any stage.
The accused were represented by senior advocate Niloy Dutta, advocate Bijon Mahajan, and advocate Arshad Choudhury in the court.
It needs mention that Garlosa was arrested from Bangalore on June 3, 2009, while Niranjan Hojai was nabbed on the Bihar-Nepal border on July 1, 2010.
The bail order comes after the NIA Special Court had rejected the bail petitions of the both the accused on July 30 last in view of the provisions of Sec 43D(5) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967, as amended by Amendment Act, 2008. Both Garlosa and Hojai had already secured bails in a number of cases registered against them.
Asked, advocate Bijon Mahajan said,“The bail order would definitely assist in bringing in permanent peace, amity and tranquility to the strife-torn district of North Cachar Hills.”
Moreover, the order stated that considering the threat perception and security of the petitioner, both the accused should be provided sufficient armed security coverage(preferably of CRPF) round the clock.
The bail was granted on conditions that the accused shall furnish two local sureties with Rs 5 lakh each.
“The accused shall take permission of the Court before leaving the jurisdiction of the Court and should not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the cases so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any investigation agency or tamper with the evidence,” the order stated.
It also maintained that certain other conditions asking the accused to surrender their passport, driving license, if any, along with other identity proofs.
Both the accused are expected to be released on Tuesday, subject to fulfillment of conditions.
Our Law Reporter adds: The Court after hearing the criminal appeal number 126/11 and Criminal Appeal number 127/11 allowed both the accused to go on bail for a period of four months. Both Garlosa and Hojai were arrested in connection with NIA Case No 1/2009 and 2/2009.
The State Government has also produced the written instruction before the Court.
The order was passed after going through the records of the case and the affidavit filed by the NIA. Senior advocate DK Das for the NIA while public prosecutor Ziaul Kamar appeared for the State.

AASU moves Govt over education policy

 GUWAHATI, Aug 11 – 
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today handed over a copy of 78 resolutions on the State Education Policy and its demands on such polices to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking its early and effective implementation to bail out the education system from the existing ‘dismal’ scenario.
Beside other demands, the AASU laid special stress on making the education system free from political interference and even sought decentralization of the entire system.
“The government, over the years, has failed to address the issues concerning theeducation system. The education system lacks vision or a clear-cut policy, which is why implementation of the resolutions is a must,” AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya told media persons today.
Among others, the students’ body also put stress on setting up institutes for higher studies, development of the infrastructure on schools and colleges and upgradation of basic standard of primary education.
The AASU further demanded setting up of Government Law College, Government B Ed College and Government Engineering College in every districts of the State.
“Like the private sector, even government schools should have play schools for students between age group of 3 to 5. We want the government to set up and attach such play schools in each of the lower primary schools of the State,” Dr Bhattacharya asserted.
The 78-point resolutions and demand also touched issues concerning excessive holidays for the educational institutes.
The AASU also demanded increase in the annual grant for Gauhati University.
“Besides, the government should allot Rs 100 crore each to Gauhati University, DibrugarhUniversity and Assam Agriculture University which would help in introduction of new courses. We also want Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and Indian Institute of Management(IIM) in the State,” he further added.
Steps to streamline teachers’ appointment process, delinking of +2 from colleges, overhaul of examination system, especially the marking system, change in the existing syllabi and curriculum have also been demanded by the students’ body.

Delhi relents on NREGA funds to Dima Hasao

Nagaon, Aug. 8: Normal flow of funds to Assam’s troubled Dima Hasao district, under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), would resume after a gap of four financial years.

The development came just a couple of weeks after representatives from the hill district’s autonomous council moved the Centre, seeking special consideration regarding funds.

The decision to stop funds flow made the 40,000-plus job card holders of the hill district “victims of red tape”.

A source of the state government today said of the annual requirement of Rs 49 crore, Rs 14 crore would be released at the earliest. The remaining amount would be released in phases.

Normal flow of funds to the Dima Hasao district was stopped following the detection of major funds misutilisation during the financial year of 2006-07, during which the district received Rs 86 crore.

The government later ordered a principal secretary-level inquiry into the matter and subsequently took steps against two senior officials of the district rural development department.

A high-level district autonomous council team, led jointly by chief executive member Debajeet Thausan and chairman Debulal Hojai, moved the Union rural development ministry recently and pleaded for immediate financial support as the system deprived poor villagers.

“We could not provide detailed explanations of the fund utilisation mechanism at that period since we were not in power then. What we can say is that over-expenditure was because of the government’s decision to release more funds than was required. The department perhaps spent the money as it was released to the council,” said a council source.

Thausan today said all formalities for smooth funds flow had already been completed after the recent meeting of the council team with officials of the Union rural development department and work would be started soon after the money was released.

Dima Hasao district has five development blocks, including New Sangbar in Garampani, Jatinga valley in Mahur, Diyung valley in Maibong, Hasrangajau and Doyangbra. According to office records, the district has 4,079 job card holders of who 1,536 are Scheduled Castes, 33,494 Scheduled Tribes and the remaining 5,760 belong to other communities.

“People lining up for work is a common phenomenon in the block offices as ignorant villagers do not understand that sufficient fund is not there to give them hundred days of work in a year. If the normal flow begins, it might relieve the poor people from the work crisis,” said a source from the Jatinga valley development block.

A state panchayat and rural development department source said strict monitoring of funds utilisation would be done.

12 hours Dima Hasao Bandh o n July 18

DIMA HASAO::
The Autonomous State Demand Committee, Dimasa Students’ Union, ASDC Mahila sangthan and Dimasa Women Society have called 12 hours Dima Hasao Bandh on July 18th (Monday), 2011 next from 5 AM to 5 PM with the demand of immediate release of Sri Mohet Hojai, Ex- CEM of the Autonomous Council and others from judicial custody, who are still in confinementunder NIA case No. 01/09 and 02/09.
The Services like supply of water, milk, electricity and health services are however exempted from the purview of the Bandh.
Talking to this correspondent,  Rathindra Thaosen, ASDC Dima Hasao Dist. Committee disclosed that they were not at all in favour of bandh culture but they were being compelled to call this bandh because the governments were not paying any heed to their grievances and demands in spite of repeated approaches. It is to be mentioned here that several organizations had earlier submitted memoranda and even staged dharna but the government was yet to feel it necessary to address their demands. They appealed to all the people irrespective of caste, creed, religion and status of Dima Hasao to co-operate with the bandh to make it a grand success.

Nagaland rebels sneak into Dima Hasao district

TIMES OF INDIA:

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.

"We came to Dima Hasao not to operate or engage in subversive activities, but to make sure that after the split in the NSCN(K) recently, no new militant outfit is born out of them," the arrested cadres said during police interrogation.

Haflong police on Thursday took the duo to the local court, which sent the two to five days' police remand.

Sources said NSCN (IM) militants, who are at truce in Nagaland, have been engaging in extortion activities in Assam's Dima Hasao district after the surrender of major militant groups, including DHD (Nunisa) and DHD (Jewel). The outfit is also known for supply of arms and ammunition and providing arms training to Dima Hasao based militant outfits over the years in exchange of hefty sums of money.

Manipur and Nagaland share a long border with Dima Hasao. In the absence of any inter-state border outposts, the border has turned into a free corridor for militants. The news of fresh sneaking of the Naga militants into Assam proves that vigilance has not been stepped up along the inter-state border, sources said.

On the other hand, BSF director general Raman Srivastava is on a two-day visit to Mizoram and Cachar Frontier beginning on Thursday for taking stock of the situation along Indo-Bangladesh border. Srivastava's visit is significant because Union external affairs minister S M Krishna is currently on a three-day visit to Bangladesh and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also set to visit to the neighboring country in September. The director general, who took over charge on August 1, 2009, on Thursday said the force was always willing to maintain a cordial relationship with its counterpart and people on the other side of the border.

OIL PROJECT IN DIMA HASAO DISTRICT

The project of crude oil survey in Dima Hasao District.was done and it was successful in finding it.Location:Metherdisa village about 12kms from the Langting and few kilometers from hatikhali.The oil company had olready paid the amount for the land that need to be undertaken by the company to the DHAC.But these people are kept blind from the knowledge of the mega project in their village area.They are suppose to be given the share of their land but instead the officials of the DHAC grab their land and take the share under their names as property owner.
Many IIT holders and educated youths from the district can demand jobs in the coming mega oil project in the district and many people could be employed if the DHAC had made an agreement.Instead their demands were only taking the amount for land.

NO NETWORK FACILITY IN HATIKHALI (DIMA HASAO DISTRICT).

Hatikhali:
It is sad to mention here that a district DIMA HASAO is being neglected due to its poor communication in all the aspects like Road,Rail and Network or Medias etc.Here is the place called Hatikhali bordering the district area has got no network for the communication purpose being very near to Lumding.The people over here too dont take in promoting it.If done it is not fullfilled.They \realise only when they are in the situation require for it.The Administrative of the DIMA HASAO district should faciliate with the motive of district development.The telecom chairman of the district should look into the matter in providing the available network in all around the district.It will not develop the district but benefit the people for various purposes.

HOSPITAL OF HATIKHALI LAYS VACANT...

HATIKHALI:

This is the photo of hatikhali hospital a sub-center of Langthing Hospital.The hospital is posted with required numbers of  doctors and Nurses and all the staff.The hospital stand vacant with no staff except the Choukidhar.The people of hatikhali and many nearby villagers face the difficulties of getting treatment from many diseases and also due to raining seasons that beings many sickness.This hospital is opened very few days in a week besides it has got no required medicines and vacination for the patients.
The people are facing a though time to get treatment from the private hospitals and from pharmacies around.This is all due to the negligence of the local political leader and the responsible Health Department of the the Dima Hasao district.It is also said that staff of the sub-center do not stay in their provided qua tors.This is all need to be taken into observance of the staff as well the head departments to provide full required medicines and permanent staff in the hospital.

Assam records 25 p.c. polling in first four hours...

An estimated 25 per cent of the electorate cast its franchise in the first four hours of polling in 62 Assam Assembly constituencies on Monday amidst tight security.

The highest percentage was reported from constituencies in Karimganj, Jorhat and Haflong districts ranging from between 35 to 40 per cent. Tinsukia recorded the 11 per cent polling, according to the election office.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi accompanied by wife Dolly and son Gaurav, Union Minister B.K. Handique and Lok Sabha MP Dip Gogoi cast their votes in Jorhat constituency.

Reports of EVMs malfunctioning were reported from six polling stations in Lakhimpur, Naoboicha, Bokajan and Diphu Assembly constituencies.

Voters boycotted polling in ten polling stations under the Haflong police station.

The Indigenous Peoples Forum, an umbrella organisation of Hmar, Kuki and Zeme Naga tribes, boycotted the polls demanding bifurcation of North Cachar Hills district into two autonomous hills districts.

For the first time in 15 years, insurgents of the ethnic KLNLF participated in the democratic process by casting their vote in central Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

Karbi Longri National Liberation Front chairman P. Dili told reporters at a polling booth here that 41 of his cadres in two designated camps exercised their franchise for the first time in 15 years in the Assam Assembly elections.

Among other prominent persons contesting the elections were senior Ministers Pradyut Bordoloi, Ajanta Neog, Prithivi Majhi, Gautam Roy and Bharat Chandra Narah.

BJP State president Ranjit Dutta, former AGP president Brindaban Goswami and CPI National Council member Promode Gogoi were also in the fray. There were a total of 485 candidates in 62 of the 126 Assembly constituencies going to polls in the first phase.

The second phase of voting will take place on April 11.

Polling was being held amidst tight security following threats issued by banned ULFA faction led by Paresh Barua.

Nearly 35,000 central paramilitary personnel have been deployed for the polls.

 

GRENADE RECOVERED FROM HAFLONG FROM ESSAR.

Police recovered a Chinese grenade from Essar Petrol Pump here at Haflong this morning which was kept near oil lifting machine. Mentioned may be made here that the Essar pump is belonged to Niramal Langthasa, youngest son of the Local MLA Sri G. C. Langthasa. This pump is situated adjacent to the residence of the MLA. Later, Army defused the grenade.