Dimaraji is long cherished
aspiration of the Dimasa Indigenous People, one of the Indigenous
Peoples in the North East India, the earliest known community in the
region, the Dimasas belonging to the Tibeto- Burman group of Mongloid
race. The issue of Dimaraji has been narrated in the following
memorandum submitted to Shri Shivraj Patil, the Hon’ble Home Minister,
Govt. of India, New Delhi by the Peoples’ Supreme Council of Dima Raji,
Dima Halam Daoga, (D.H.D), Sengya Bojhom, on the 23rd September, 2004.
Therefore, by a consensus of all concerned, the copy of the said
memorandum is being presented as the position paper of the Dimasa tribe
on their burning problems and an analytical over view has been done to
draw conclusion at the end of this short note to intervene on their
issue.
AN INTRODUCTION:
(A) A BRIEF HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE DIMASAS
“The Kacharis may perhaps be described as the aborigine or
earliest known inhabitants of the Brahmaputra Valley. They are identical
with the people called Mech in Goalpara and North Bengal. These were
the names given to them by outsiders. In the Brahmaputra valley the
Kacharis call themselves 'Bodo or Bodo-fisa' (Son of the Bodo). In the
North Cachar Hills they call themselves 'Dimasa' a corruption of Dima
fisa or son of the great river. They were known to Ahoms as Timasa,
clearly a corruption of Dimasa so that this name must have been in use
when they were still in Dhansiri Valley.”
(E. Gait: A History of Assam)
The Dimasa also known as
Kacharis believe that they descended from Ghatatkacha, son of the second
Pandava-Bhima and Hidimba the demon princess mentioned in the 'Agyatbas
Parva' of the Mahabharata. Thus being the descendents of Hidimba the
Dimasa called themselves as 'Hidimbasa' - their kingdom as Hidimba or
Heremba kingdom or Heremba Emperor or Lord of Hidimba or Heramba'. The
use of this terms are abundantly found in the Coins, Rock-Cut
Inscriptions, Endowment Deeds and Seals, etc.
Prior to the advent of the Ahoms in the 13th Century it was the
Kacharis who dominated the whole of the territories covered by undivided
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and North Bengal. The proof of this statement
is well established from the fact that there are many principal rivers
in Assam and adjoining territories like Di-puta, Di-karai, Di-hing,
Di-bang, Di-Bru, Dikhow or Dikhu, Digarau, Diphu, Di-karang, etc. bear
the syllable 'Di' before them which is invariably a Kachari or Dimasa
word, meaning - water. The Dimasa called the mighty river Brahmaputra as
'Di-Iao' meaning Long River.
An old-age Dimasa tradition has it that sixty thousand moon
(Lunar months) ago when their ancestral land went dry after a severe
drought they move away from it, and after wandering about along way
halted at 'Di-Laobra Sangibra' meaning the confluence of the Brahmaputra
and Sangi or Di-sang (the River Tsangpo) rechristened in Dimasa and
there they held a great assembly. The place is near the present
'Sadhiya' of upper Assam, where the Kacharis established their first
Seat. By the passage of time, they spread their Kingdom over large
territories.
“In the Thirteenth Century, it would seem that the Kachari Kingdom
extended along the South bank of the Brahmaputra from the Dikhu to the
Kolong or beyond and included also the valley of the Dhansiri, and the
tract which now formed the North Cachar Sub-Division. At the time, the
Country further west, though largely inhabited by the Kacharis appears
to have formed parts of the Hindu Kingdom of Kamata. Towards the end of
this century, it is narrated that in the outlying Kacharis settlement
east of the Dikhu River withdrew before the advance of the Ahoms. For a
hundred years, this river appears to have formed the boundary between
the two nations and no hostility recorded until 1497, when a battle was
fought on its banks Ahoms were defeated and were forced to sue for
peace. But their power was rapidly growing and during the next thirty
years, in spite of this defeat they gradually thrust the Kachari
boundary back to the Dhansiri River” (A History of Assam; E. Gait)
“The Ahoms appeared on the political scene of Assam in the
beginning of the 13th Century. But they did not try their strength with
Kacharis, their western neighbors, till the end of the 15th Century. The
Kacharis were the most important and organised tribe of Assam at that
time ruling over an extensive territory covering from the Dikhow in the
east to the Kolong on the west. The Kachari Kingdom in the 13th Century
thus included the major part of the Sibsagar district, about half of the
Nowgong district and also the district of Cachar. (Ahom Tribal
Relations; Lakshmi Devi)
It is a matter of history that after the fall of Dimapur in
1536, the Kachari King shifted his Capital to Maibang in the present
North Cachar Hills in 1540. The last migration, i. e., shifting of
Capital of Maibang to Khaspur in the plains of Cachar took place around
1761. A large majority of the Kacharis, however, remain in the hilly
country where to this day they retain their language, religion, customs
etc. to great extent.
It is seen that after shifting royal seat to Khaspur, the
conversion to Hinduism followed. Coming under the Brahminical influence,
the last Heramba Kings become worshippers of Ranachandi, the Hindu
goddess of war. However, there is evidence of some of the Royal families
having come under Hindu influence even in the earlier days as seen from
a silver coin issued by the King Jaso Narayan Deb, a worshipper of
Hara-Gauri, i.e., Siva and Durga which bears a date equivalent to 1628
AD. Generally speaking, the Dimasa consider themselves to be Hindu
though they have their traditional Gods and Goddesses and even to this
day are given to liberal practices of Animism. The Dimasa Society is
known for its conservatism and loyalty to its own religion and in their
unique way it has so far stubbornly resisted the attempts for conversion
to Christianity ever since the days of the British Raj. God-fearing,
peace loving, tolerant and amiable by nature, they have been living in
perfect harmony with the neighbouring tribes and communities for
centuries whether in the North Cachar Hills or other areas inhabited by
them.
“In 1832 the British annexed South Cachar, i.e. the plains valley
of Barak, which was a part of the princely state of Cachar. The hills
Division comprising the North Cachar Hills, parts of the Diyung Valley,
the Kopili, the Kopili Valley and the Dhansiri Valley including the
ancient capital of Dimapur, the ‘Brick City’ of the Dimasa Kachari Kings
of Cachar. The hills Division was finally annexed by the British in
1854 on the death of Senapati Tularam the Dimasa Chieftain who holds
sway over that area. But the British acted very treacherously after the
annexation of the territory. They did not tag the Northern (Hills
Division) with South Cachar but unscrupulously annexed the territory to
the Assam district of Nowgong. The territory was then placed under the
charge of junior political officer with headquarters at Asaloo.
Subsequently in 1866, this territory had been sliced away and
distributed among the neighbouring districts of Nowgong and present Naga
Hills. Thus, while the parts of the Diyung valley and the Kopili Valley
had been given to the district of Nowgong and large portion was joined
with the newly created district of Naga Hills. The rest formed the
territory of the North Cachar Hills comprising exclusively the hilly
region". (Shahid Vir Sombhudhan Phonglo ... U. C Barman)
“But the act was drawing to a close, and Raja Govinda Chandra soon
fell a victim to the assailants. The murder which was an outcome of a
deliberate a plan, occurred on a night of the 24th April 1830, when a
band of Manipuris in league with the Manipuri members of the Raja's
bodyguards entered the Haritikar Palace, and hacked Raja into pieces and
set fire to the capital complex.
"Accordingly, by a proclamation, issued on the 14th August 1832,
the plain of South Cachar was annexed to the British dominion. Tularam,
the Rebel Chief was confirmed in the possession of the hill tract that
has been assigned to him by Raja Govinda Chandra through the mediation
of David Scott in 1829. A suitable provision was made for the widows of
the deceased Raja with rent-free grants and monthly cash allowance of
the total value of Rs 3,875 (Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy
Five only) per annum out of the revenue of Cachar."
"Nevertheless, the death of Tularam Senapati in October 1851,
offered Captain Butler a fresh opportunity to reiterate his
recommendation for the resumption of the territory on the ground that
the arrangement entered into with Tularam, was a life tenure and
therefore it lapsed to the British Government with the death of the
Senapati.”
"Accordingly, in early 1854, the status of Sub-Division under the
direction of the Government of Bengal, Lieutenant H.S. Biver immediately
resumed the administration of the tract and granted pensions to several
members of Senapati's family aggregating to Rs. 1002 (Rupees one
thousand and Two only) annually, beside rent-free grants in the village
of Mohung Dijua on the understanding that these would be resumed upon
the death of the respective holders. Thus the whole of the Heramba
Kingdom came under the Government of East India Company and the British
Paramountcy in the Cachar became the fait accompli". (Cachar under
British Rule in North East India: J.B. Bhattacharjee)
"The policy that the Ahoms followed in dealing with the Kacharis
was quite clear. They tried to occupy the fertile plains territory in
the Brahmaputra Valley that belongs to the Kacharis. They succeeded in
achieving their objects and wrested almost the whole plains territories
in the Sibsagar and Nowgong district over which the Kacharis retained
their hold".
(Ahom- Tribal Relations A Political Study - Lakshmi Devi)
(B) THE POST ANNEXATION PERIOD: -
Since the annexation of the Heramba Kingdom by the British
administration there gradually followed several changes in the
administration. The British Government of India started diving of the
great Heramba Kingdom into divisions, divisions into districts,
districts into sub-divisions, thanas, etc. for their administrative
conveniences. The province of Assam was divided into divisions Surma
Valley, Brahmaputra Valley etc. The Cachar and Sylhet district were
under the Surma Valley. The Cachar district was divided into three
Sub-divisions- Silchar, Hailakandi and Haflong. The North Cachar Hills
Sub- Division, Haflong was at first created in 1853 with headquarters at
Asaloo. But when the Naga Hills district was created in 1866, the North
Cachar Hills Sub-division was closed. The territories of Tularam's
Country when annexed were cut into several pieces and distributed to the
neighbouring districts of Nowgong, Sibsagar and Naga Hills. The North
Cachar Hills Sub-division was again created in 1880 with it's
headquarter at Gunjung and it was later shifted to Haflong in 1898. The
Karimganj sub-division of Sylhet district was transferred to the Cachar
on the partition of Bengal retaining Sylhet with the present
Bangladesh. Thus, the great Heramba Kingdom of Govinda Chandra and
Tularam were divided into several districts and sub-divisions. With the
distributions of the land, the aboriginal ruling Dimasa people were also
divided as the least minority everywhere.
The land settlement procedure of the British Government was very
liberal and encouraging for the new comer settlers in Cachar. The
Government allotted lands as much as one could occupy at different rates
for different terms at a time -10 years, 15 years, 20 years and 30
years etc. Even the practice of offering of waste lands at progressive
rates with rent-free terms had also been in vogue in Cachar. The land of
Cachar being very fertile and suitable for agriculture also attracted
the people. Thus the fertile soil and the liberal land allotment
procedure of the Government immediately attracted the landless outsiders
of the neighbouring areas in large numbers and settled. The opening of
Tea and Rubber plantation industries in Cachar was another cause of
influx of outsiders there. The Government also imported thousands and
thousands of tea labourers from outside the district and state for
plantation purposes. It had, overpopulated the aboriginal Dimasa
Kacharis losing their every rights and benefits, autonomy, political,
economic, language, culture and heritage, etc. The illiterate and
minority Kacharis being unable to adjust themselves with the latest
administration and developments which brought fast 'growth of
population, towns and civic lifestyles, left their earlier homes and
hearths and started settlement in the remote and dense forest areas. The
Indian Independence movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi,
the world war etc. also brought several changes and in turn affected the
Dimasa in politically, Socially, Territorially and Economically etc.
(C) THE POST INDEPENDENCE PERIOD: -
After India's independence too there developed several changes
in Assam. A new district was created in the name of 'United Mikir' and
North Cachar Hills. The Mikir Hills District was formed by curving out
some territories of land from the district of Nogaon and Sibsagar, the
land which belong to the Heramba Kingdom or Tularam Senapati's province.
The North Cachar Hills Sub-Division was separated from Cachar and
tagging it with Mikir Hills formed into a district. The Naga Hills
district of Assam was separated from Assam and formed into a separate
state of Nagaland in 1963. The Dimapur area of Assam, the capital of
ancient Heramba Kingdom was also leased out to Nagaland. The North
Cachar Hills sub-division was again separated Mikir Hills district and
formed into a full-fledged district in 1970. The Mikir later renamed
'Karbi Anglong district.
Barring the district of North Cachar Hills, the population of
Dimasa people turned out as the least minority in all the remaining
district of Cachar, Nowgong, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Karbi Anglong of
Assam and Dimapur district of Nagaland. What is the most saddening is
that the Dimasa people have been in that the Dimasa people of same
language, culture, and religion are classified by different names and
scheduled by different castes in the constitution of India. The Dimasa
of the North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong districts were recognized as
'Dimasa' scheduled as scheduled Tribe (Hills). In the plains district
of Nogaon, they are classified as 'Hojai Kacharis', recognized as
Scheduled Tribe (Plains), in the districts of Cachar; they are
recognized as 'Barman'- Scheduled Tribe (Plains). The Dimasa in Nagaland
are recognized as 'Kacharis' only and belonged to Scheduled Tribe
(Hills). Moreover, the Dimasa of Hailakandi and Karimganj district are
recognized as 'Rukini Barman'. Thus the Dimasa has completely lost the
identity and oneness of the community though they belonged to the same
language and culture, etc. It has harmed our society in many ways.
So, the administrative procedures so reformed and enforced for
the protection, growth and peace of the tribal do hardly work at all.
The Tribal Belts and Blocks, their Rules and Regulations framed for the
protection of tribal interest could never work perfectly. Even the two
autonomous districts of Assam with more autonomy powers are seemed to
want something more because it could not fully serve the interest of the
tribals and their districts. The demand for Autonomous State under the
Article 244 (A) & (B) of the Indian Constitution, therefore soon
followed. But, how long would this Autonomous State would last even if
the centre granted it? Could it fully provide the hopes and the
aspirations of the people of the State?
OUR SUGGESTION: -
The only way out to the Dimasa people for their existence,
growth and peace is to grant a full-fledged State to be created by
carving out all the Dimasa inhabited areas from the districts of Cachar,
Nogaon, Karbi Anglong and the entire district of North Cachar Hills of
Assam and a few portion of Dimasa inhabited areas of Dimapur district of
Nagaland there after to be tagged with North Cachar Hills district as
shown in the enclosed maps. It would be the only fair and absolute means
to meet the entire burning issues and problems of the Dimasa people,
which have been facing since they lost their territories to the British
administration. The grant of statehood would surely provide the
constitutional rights and facilities to self-governance for growth and
peace.
OUR DEMAND:-
TO CREATE A FULL FLEDGED STATE IN THE NAME OF "DIMARAJI STATE"
BY CARVING OUT THE ALL DIMASA INHABITED TERRITORIES AS MENTIONED ABOVE
AND MEET THE DIMASA PROBLEMS.
THE CONCLUSION:-
In conclusion, we the following signatories for an on behalf of
all the Dimasa people living in the demand area are very much hopeful
that the Government would definitely understand the causes of our
burning issues and grievances, hearts and sentiments, and the
exploitations etc.and to pay due and sympathetic considerations to meet
the demand without much delay in the greater interest of the Nation and
its people as a whole.
DESCRIPTION OF DETAILED BOUNDARIES OF THE PROPOSED ‘DIMARAJI STATE’:- 1. AREAS TO BE CARVED OUT FROM NAGAON DISTRICT, ASSAM.
i. Lumding Reserve Forest
ii. Lumding Town
iii. Bordolong-Lanka Bheta Tribal Belt
iv. . Hojai Tribal Sub-plain (TSP)
v. Jamunamukh
2. AREAS TO BE CARVED OUT FROM CACHAR DISTRICT OF ASSAM.
i. Kalain Block
ii. Katigorah Block
iii. Borkhola
iv. Dolu
v. Udharbond
vi. Lakhipur Sub-Division
vii. Barak Reserve Forest
viii. Dholai
3. AREAS TO BE CARVED OUT FROM KARBI ANGLONG DISTRICT
i. Lumbajong (Lamayung) Development Block
ii. Dimasa inhabited areas of Howraghat and Langsomepi Development Blocks
iii. Dimasa inhabited areas of Rongkhang Development Block of Hamren Sub-Division
4. AREAS TO BE CARVED OUT FROM NORTH CACHAR HILLS DISTRICT
i. The entire district is to be carved out.
5. AREAS TO BE CARVED OUT FROM DIMAPUR DISTRICT OF NAGALAND.
i. Dimapur Town and Dimasa inhabited areas of Dimapur District
CACHAR UNDER BRITISH RULE IN NORTH EAST INDIA HILLS WAS FORMALLY HANDED OVER TO HIM
APPENDIX - 1
Treaty of Bodorpur:-
Treaty concluded between David Scott, Esquire, Agent of the
Governor General on the part of the Honourable east India Company and
Raja Govind Chunder Narayana of Herumba.
Article-1
Rajah Govind Chandra, for himself and his successor acknowledges
allegiance to the Honorable Company and places his territory of Cachar
or Heramba, under protection.
Article- II
The internal government of the Country shall be conducted by the
Rajah and the jurisdictions of the British court of justice shall not
extend there; but the Rajah agrees to attend at all times to the advice
offered for the welfare of his subjects by the Governor General in
council, and agreeably their to rectify any abuses that may arise in the
administration of affairs.
Article – III
The Hon'ble Company engages to protect the territories of Cachar
from external enemies, and to arbitrate any differences that may arise
between the Rajah and other states. The Rajah agrees to abide by such
arbitration and hold no correspondence or communication with foreign
power except through the channel of British Government.
Article IV
In consideration of the aid promised by the above articles and
other circumstances, the Rajah agrees to pay to the honourable Company,
from the beginning of the year 1232 B.S., an annual tribute of ten
thousand sicca of rupees, and the Honourable Company engages to provide
for the maintenance of the Munnipoorean chiefs lately occupying Cachar.
Article - V
If the Rajah shall fail in the performance of the above article,
the Hon'ble Company will be at liberty to occupy and attach in
perpetuity, to their possessions sufficient tract of the Cachar Country
to provide for the future realisation of the tribute.
Article - VI
The Rajah agrees, in concert with the British local authorities,
to adopt all measures that may be necessary for the maintenance, in the
district of Sylhet of the arrangements in force in the police, opium,
and salt departments.
Executed at Budderpore, this 6th day of March' 1824, corresponding with the 24th of Fagoon 1230 B.S.
Rajah Govind Chundra's Seal D. Scott
Agent to the Governor-General
APPENDIX - 2
Agreement with Tularam Senapati
Terms of Agreement concluded with Tularam Senapati
On the 3rd November under the Orders of Government,
Dated 16th October 1834 A.D
First: - Tularam forgoes all claims to the country between the
Morihur and Diyung and the Diyung Kopili rivers from which he was
dispossessed by Govind Ram and Durga Ram.
Second :- Tularam is to hold the remainder of the country
formerly in his possession or the tract of the country bounded on the
west by the Diyung River, and a line to be determine here after, drawn
from brace ford or the Diyung to a point on the Jamuna river, between
the cultivation of Seil Dhurmpur and of Duboka and the Hojai (excluding
the two latter); by the Jamuna and Diyung Rivers North, by the Dhansiri
River to the East and to the South-West the Naga Hills and Mowheir river
and he agrees to hold the above tract in dependence on the British
Government and to pay a yearly tribute for their protection, of
four pairs of elephant task, each pair to weigh 35 (Thirty Five) seers .
Third: - Tularam, during his life, shall receive from the
British Government a stipend of 50/- (Fifty) Rupees a month in
consideration of the foregoing sessions and the Agreements.
Fourth: - The British Government shall have the right of
placing Military posts in any part of Tularam's country and should
there be occasion to march troops through it, Tularam engages to furnish
them with all the requisites of carriages and provisions in his power,
he being for the same.
Fifth: - All petty offences committed, within Tularam's
country, he shall take cognizance of and do justice according to the
custom of the country, but all heinous crimes shall be transferred to
the nearest British court, and Tularam engages to bring such to notice
and endeavour to apprehend the offenders.
Sixth: - Tularam shall not establish any custom chowkies on the rivers forming the boundaries of his country.
Seventh: - Tularam will not commence any military operation
against neighbouring chiefs without permission of the British Government
and in case of being attacked, he shall report the same and be
protected by British troops provided the British Authorities are
satisfied that the aggression has been unprovoked on his part.
Eighth: - Riots shall not be prevented from emigrating to,
and settling on either side of the boundary they may prefer.
Ninth: - In case of failing to abide by these conditions,
the British Government shall be at liberty to take possession of my
country.
Sd/- TULARRAM SENAPATI F. Jenins
PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE DIMARAJI STATE
(APPENDIX: A)
1. Name: - The Name of the proposed state shall be “The Dimaraji State”
2. Territory of the proposed state: - The territorial boundary
of the proposed state shall comprised of the following areas:-
a) The existing territorial boundaries of North Cachar Hills District (N.C. Hills).
b) All the Dimasa Villages and areas predominantly inhabited by
Dimasa in the Dimapur district and the district of Assam.
3. Legislature: - As provided under article 168(i) (b) of the
constitution shall be a legislature of the state which shall consist of a
Governor and one House which shall be called “Legislative Assembly”
4. Composition of the Legislative:-
a) The Legislative Assembly shall be consist of not less than 40
members to be chosen by election from the territorial constituency.
b) In order to enable the minority communities to have a
representation in the Legislative Assembly, the Governor may nominate
such number of members as he considers appropriate.
5. Representation in the parliament:-
a) Notwithstanding anything contain in article 330(2) of the
constitution, the state shall be entitle to have 2 (two)
representatives.
6. District Administration:-
a) Subject to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution, the administration of District Council shall continue to
exist.
7. Constitutional safeguards:-
a) Various constitutional safeguards as laid down in the constitution of Indian be followed.
8. Council of Ministers:-
a) As provided under Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, the
state shall have a Council of Ministers to be headed by the Chief
Minister.
9. High Court :-
a) Notwithstanding anything contained in Article 214 of the
Indian Constitution, the High Court of Assam shall be the High Court of
this proposed state.
10. Accountant General: -
a) The state shall have its own Accountant General whose head quarters shall be located at its headquarters.
11. Capital of the state:-
a) The headquarters of the state shall be located at a place to be decided later on.
12. University:-
a) The state shall have its own University to be known as the
Dimaraji University which shall be located
at its headquarters.
13. Financial Assistance from the Union :- a) In addition of the
financial assistance from the Union government under Article 275 of the
constitution, there shall be further paid out of the consolidated fund
of India in each year as grant in aid such capital and recurring sums as
may be necessary to enable the state to meet the cost of:-
i) Normal administration of the state.
ii) Such schemes under normal as well as the schemes under plan
development as may be undertaken by the state with the approval of the
government of India.
iii) The capital expenditure in establishing the institutions: -
(a) University (b) Engineering College (c) Agriculture College (d)
Veterinary College and other technical and non technical institutions.
14. Official Language:-
a) English shall be the official language of the newly created state.
15. Public Service Commission:-
a) There shall be public service commission in the state, as per the provision of the constitution under article 315.
16. Power of the Legislature:-
a) The subject given in the State List under the constitution: Seventh Schedule of the India.
17. Taxes and Revenue:-
a) As per the provisions given under Article and 275 and 276.
b) All taxes as specified in List II and III of the Seventh Schedule and other taxes which may be provided by law.
c) 90% share of all the central Govt. revenues levied from within the jurisdiction of the state.
18. Service Cadre:-
The State shall have its own Department of personal and administration with its own cadres.
19. Membership in N.E.C.:-
The proposed State shall be the member of North Eastern Council (N.E.C.).
LIST OF PROSPECTIVE INDUSTRIES IN DIMARAJI:
A: AGRO BASED-
1. Rice Mill 10. Spices processing
2. Scented Supari 11. Sago / Starch from Tapioca
3. Production of Papaya and Pectin from papaya 12.Khandsari Sugar Mill
4. Fruit processing 13. Jute bailing
5. Cattle feed, seeds/citronella 14. Oil extraction from mustard
6. Ginger drying / ginger oil 15. Cotton ginning
7. Aberration from chilly 16. Cotton blanket making
8. Maize processing 17. Cashew nut processing
9. Silk production (Rearing)
B. ANIMAL HUSBANDARY:-
1. Dairy 2. Feed mixing plant 3. Piggery 4. Tannery 5. Bone Mill 6. Foot wear 7. Slaughter House 8. Poultry
C. FISHERY BASED:-
1. Fish processing 2. Fish breeding
D. FOREST BASED:-
1. Saw mill 7. Black Pepper
2. Mechanized Carpentry 8. Rope making
3. Broom Stick 9. Bamboo Crusher
4. Cane and Bamboo products 10. Match factory / Veneer
5. Tezpata oil extraction 11. Paper Mill
6. Cinnamon oil extraction
E. MINERAL RESOURCES BASED:-
1. Lime Manufacturing from Stone 4. Stone Crushing.
2. Cement Factory. 5. Coal.
3. Hydel project 6.Iron & Ore
F. DEMAND BASED
1. Bakery. 12. Tiles.
2. Rubber goods. 13. Paper Bags
3. Sports goods. 14. Decorative Textile products.
4. Brick field. 15. Steel Fabrication.
5. Automobile servicing. 16. Cycle Repairing:
6. Book binding. 17. Radio Repairing.
7. Ice plant / Cold storage I Ice candy. 18 Watch Repairing.
8. Steel Trunk. Factory. 19. Dry Cleaning
9. Fishing Net. 20 Ready Made Garments.
10. Wire Nail. 21 Knitting and Embroidery.
11. Barbed Wire. 22 Cart Wheel Making
MINERAL RESOURCES OF DIMARAJI:
1. COAL:-
The total estimated reserve of Coal in Dimaraji is of the order
of certain million tones spread over two Coal fields viz. Garampani
(Umrangso), Arda and aspect at Dibarai, Haflong. Annual production from
the Garampani alone was of the order of certain tones.
2. LIME STONE:-
The total estimate reserves of Lime Stone in Dimaraji is of the
order of certain million tones, of this more than certain million tones
is in single deposit at Garampani(Umrangso).
3. LITHOMARGIC CLAY AND FIRECLAY:-
These clays associated with the coal deposit of the Garampani
(Umrangso) Coal fields. The estimated reserves of the lithomargic clay
fire clay reserves are certain million tones. Tests conducted on those
clay shows that they can be utilized for production of high class
refractory bricks and insulators.
OTHER MINERALS:-
The other minerals are KAOLIN or CHINA CLAY, QUATRIZITE,
FELDSPAR, BANDED HAEMATITE, SILLIMANlTE, GRANITES, and DORLORITES a
deposit of good quality Kaolin or China clay of economic importance has
been located in the Garampani (Umrangso) area in North Cachar Hills
district. The deposit has an estimated reserve of certain million tones
of good clay.
Memo: - No-01-DPSC/DBH/DHD/2004 Dated 23/09/2004
Copy forwarded for favour of information and necessary action please to:-
Hon’ble President of India, New Delhi.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, New Delhi.
Hon’ble Minister,
I/c. Scheduled Tribe/Scheduled Caste and other Minorities of India, New Delhi.
Hon’ble Minister, I/c, Public Grievances of India, New Delhi.
Hon’ble President, All India Congress, New Delhi.
Hon’ble President Opposition Leader, Lokh Shabha, New Delhi.
Hon’ble Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Guwahati.
Hon’ble Home Minister of Assam, Guwahati.
Hon’ble Governor of ……………………………
Hon’ble Home Commissioner of Assam, Guwahati.
All Minister/MLAs concerned…………………………
Hon’ble Secy. Home affairs North East.
Hon’ble Joint Director of S.I.B. North East.
All Dimasa Intellectuals and NGOs………….
Commander –in- Chief (C-in-C) Chairman
Dimasa National Army (DNA) Dima Halam Daogah
Dima Halam Daogah Sengy Bojhom
Sengy Bojhom H.Q: Dimabong Halali
H.Q. Dimabong Halali
An over view on the Dimaraji
The People
The Dimasa, 'Dimasa' a corruption of Dima fisa or son of the
great river people are one of the components of once a great Bodo race
of Assam who are of the Sino-Tibetan origin among the Mongoloid group.
They bear the common features of a Mongolian. Generally they are of
medium height and well-built stature. They have flat nose, small eyes,
black-spiky hair and high cheekbones. Their skin colour is yellowish
brown. By nature their behaviour is very amiable ever ready to befriend
even a stranger.
Origin
As quoted in the above memorandum, “The Kacharis may perhaps be
described as the aborigin or earliest known inhabitants of the
Brahmaputra valley. They are identical with people called Mech in
Goalpara and North Bengal. These were the names given to them by
outsiders. In the Brahmaputra valley ‘Bodo or Bodo-fisa’ (Son of the
Bodo). In the North Cachar Hills they call themselves ‘Dimasa’ a
corruption of Dima fisa or son of the great river. They were known to
Ahoms as Timasa, clearly a corruption of Dimasa so this name must have
been in use when they were still in Dhansiri valley”.
Since Dimasa people are one of
the components of the Bodo race and therefore are believed to be
migrants of ancient Chinese origin and their language belonging to the
Tibeto-Burman language family. G.A. Grierson in his “The Linguistic
Survey of India -“1903” has given a table of tribes that shows inclusion
of a large number of tribes of this language group of which the Bodo
and the Dimasa of Assam and the Boroks of Tripura are the major
components. The date of migration from their original abode, namely,
Northwestern China, to this part of present India is debated and needs
further research. However scholars agree that the Bodo race settled in
this region much before the Aryans. The first mentioned king of
Pragjyotishpur (ancient name of Assam) was Mairong Raja (Sanskritised as
Mahiranga) of Asura Dynasty. Several kings of the Asura Dynasty ruled
Pragjyotishpur. The Asura kings and their subjects were none but the
Bodo. Then came the Kirata Dynasty. Narkhw (Narakasura) and Fogdongza
(Bhagadatta) were two famous kings of this dynasty. Scholars have
identified the ‘Kiratas’ of ancient Assam, who took part in the
Mahabharata war, with the Bodo. Sanskrit literatures of the ‘Epic Era’
have immensely mentioned about the ‘Eastern Kiratas.’ Particularly the
Kingdom of Tripura has been mentioned as the ‘Kiratadesha’ of the North
East in ancient times. The Epics i. e., the Ramanaya and the Mahabharata
are dated to have been written between 2500 to 3000 B.C. This proves
that the Bodo race had powerful kings and kingdoms even before 3000B.C.
in the eastern part of present India at the time while the Aryans were
confined to beyond the present Indus valley.
As stated clearly in the memorandum, the Dimasa also known as
Kacharis believe that they descended from Ghatatkacha, son of the second
Pandava-Bhima and Hidimba the demon princess mentioned in the 'Agyatbas
Parva' of the Mahabharata. Thus being the descendents of Hidimba the
Dimasa called themselves as 'Hidimbasa' - their kingdom as Hidimba or
Heremba kingdom or Heremba Emperor or Lord of Hidimba or Heramba'. The
use of this terms are abundantly found in the Coins, Rock-Cut
Inscriptions, Endowment Deeds and Seals, etc
Society and faiths (Religion)
The Dimasa society is a
patriarchal one, father being the fountainhead, sole authority and the
complete owner of the family property. However, the mother and the other
female members of the family are not neglected. In fact, the
patriarchal Dimasa society is intrinsically inter-woven with matriarchal
traits in it. In the household concern, the mother has less control
than the father or the husband has. Sometimes this lineage may further
be testified by a kind of marriage practice in which, the man comes to
live with the woman in her establishment and is called ‘Min-habba’ in
Dimasa language. In other words, the Dimasa society is egalitarian in
character so far as sharing of properties; access to education and other
developmental opportunities are concerned.
The Dimasas believe in the existence of a supreme being Madai –
Under whom there are several Madais including family deities and evil
spirits. The religious practices of the Dimasas are reflected in their
Daikho system. A Daikho has a presiding deity with a definite
territorial jurisdiction and a distinct group of followers known as
Khel. Every Dimasa family worships its ancestral deity once a year
before sowing the next paddy. It is known as Madai Khelimba. This is
done for the general welfare of the family. And Misengba is for the good
of the whole community. They cremate their dead. The dead body is
washed and dressed in new clothes, the corpse is placed inside the house
on a mat. A fowl is thrashed to death and placed at the foot of the
deceased so that it might show the deceased the right path to heaven.
The widow does not tie their hair till cremation. The dead body is
cremated by the side of a river or stream.
The Dimasa have a tendency to build their houses on hill slopes
with a river or streamlet flowing nearby. The dwelling houses are built
on plinth of earth – in two rows facing each other with a sufficiently
wide gap in between.
The Dimasa society is divided into 40 number of ‘Sengphong’
(Male clans) on the basis of male line and 42 ‘Zilik’ on the basis of
female line (Female clans) based on totemism and profession. According
to traditions, originally, there had been as many as forty ‘Sengphongs’
or clans in the Dimasa society. These clans still exist. These are Sengphong:
Hasnusa (Riphaasgao),
Haflongbar (Riphapharain)
Rajitjung
Badarbaziya
Aradao
Mitherphangsa
Diphusa
Hagjer
Thaosen
Phonglosa
Sengyung
Daolagajao
Daolaguphu
Hojaisa
Kemprai
Jidong (Jidung)
Bodosa
Khersa
Baindosa
Gaini
Hojila
Diruwasa
Daodonglantha
Kharigabsa
Jorasa
Hasamsa
Nabensa
Dibragede
Langthasa
Girisa
Parbasa
Maibongsa
Joharisa
Charangphangsa
Gorlosa
Hakhamaosa
Maramsa
Jharamphuse
Lapthaisa
Laobangdisa
Zilik:
1. Saikudi Sagodia
2. Banglaima Gedeba
3. Phaaidi Gedeba
4. Mairang Phasaidi Khaseba
5. Mairangsa Depsgao
6. Saidia Gedeba Sgao Chang
7. Mairong Gedaba Hamlai Gumndi
8. Banglaima Gedeba
9. Mairong Gedeba
10. Miljung Gedeba
11. Mairong Phraisog
12. Saidima Gedeba
13. Banglaima Khaseba
14. Maireng Gedeba
15. Miljung Daoga
16. Mairong Gedeba
17. Saidima Daoga
18. Mairong Daoga
19. Mairongma Gedeba
20. Mairong Gedeba
21. Mairong Khaseba
22. Mairongma Gedeba
23. Mairong Gedeba
24. Saidima
25. Ronsaidi
26. Banglaima
27. Maireng
28. Miljung Khaseba
29. Mairong Khaseba
30. Mairong
31. Banglaima Khaseba
32. Mairong Khaseba
33. Saidema Khaseba
34. Maireng Khaseba
35. Mairengma
36. Maireng Khaseba
37. Diljungma
38. Saidima Khaseba
39. Maireng
40. Maireng Khaseba
41. Khimbasi
42. Bairengsa
The Dimasa clan system appears
to have emerged out of the profession they were attached to. These
clannish titles in the present day Dimasa society only signify the
surname of a group of people. The members of the clans no longer engage
themselves in those professions of ancient times but have strict
implication on the matters of inter-marriage. For instance, a member
belonging to the same Sengphong or Zilik can never engage in wed lock
since they belong to the same family line.
The opinion of the European
writers that the religion of the Dimasa people was animistic is too
generalized a concept. At the dawn of civilization, religion of every
ethnic group was animistic. Religious philosophy developed corresponding
with the progress of civilization. influence of other religion on
Dimasa people actually took place after shifting of royal seat to
Khaspur.The conversion to Hinduism followed after the last Heramba Kings
become worshippers of Ranachandi, the Hindu goddess of war under the
Brahminical influence. However, there is evidence of some of the Royal
families having come under Hindu influence even in the earlier days as
seen from a silver coin issued by the King Jaso Narayan Deb, a
worshipper of Hara-Gauri, i.e., Siva and Durga which bears a date
equivalent to 1628 AD. Generally the Dimasa consider themselves to be
Hindu though they have their traditional Gods and Goddesses and even to
this day are given to liberal practices of Animism. The Dimasa Society
is known for its conservatism and loyalty to its own faith and in their
unique way it has so far stubbornly resisted the attempts for conversion
to Christianity ever since the days of the British rule. Dimasa are
generally God-fearing, peace loving, tolerant and amiable by nature,
they have been living in perfect harmony with the neighbouring tribes
and communities for centuries whether in the North Cachar Hills or other
areas inhabited by them.
Music and Dance
Music and dance play an important role in the day-to-day life of
the Dimasa Society. They sing and dance expressing their joy at the
youth common houses ‘Nadrang’ or at the courtyard of the ‘Gajaibaou’s
house in popular common festival like Bushu or Hangsao – manauba. The
female owner of the house, where the Bushu festival is held, is called
‘Gajaibaou’.
By using their traditional musical instruments like Muri,
Muri-wathisa, Supin Khram, Khramdubung, they present their traditional
dances named – Baidima, Jaubani, Jaupinbani, Rennginbani, Baichargi,
Kunlubani, Daislelaibani, Kamauthaikim Kaubani, Nanabairibani,
Baururnjla, Kailaibani, Homaudaobani, Rongjaobani, Dausipamaikabani,
Daudngjang, Nowaijang, Dailaibani, Narimbani, Rogidaw bihimaiyadaw,
Maijaobani, Maisubanai, Richibbani, Michai bonthai jibnai, Homojing
ladaibani, Berma charao paibani, Mangusha bondaibani, Madaikalimbani
etc.
The Dimasa males put on the traditional dresses like richa,
rikaosa, paguri rimchau and rimchaoramai to perform the folk dances. The
females put on Rigu, rijamfini, rijamfinaberen, rikaucha, rikhra,
jingsudu etc. and wear ornaments like Kaudima, Khadu, Kamautai, Longbar,
Panlaubar. Chandraral, Rongbarcha, Enggrasa, Jongsama, Ligjao, Jingbri,
Yausidam etc.
The dance forms of the Dimasa people are complex in character.
They are strictly dependent on instrumental music. No songs are used.
Khram (drum) follows the rhythm of the Muri (fife) and so also the
dancers. Though one may find the music trilling from Muri to be
monotonous, but there are variations with noticeable microtones for
different dance forms. That is why young men practice dancing at Nadrang
during leisure hours and the village kids follow the rhythm and
stepping at a distance from an early age.
Festivals
The Dimasa people celebrate a
national festival called Bishu Dima (Bushu Dima). Bishu Dima is
celebrated as New Year festival. Of late the Dimasa community has
regularized the Bishu Dima in every 27th day of January which they with
the change of season and nature express joy and ecstasy with music and
dance. In Bishu Dima they offer prayer and materials gifts to Sibrai,
their supreme god as token to protect them from all kinds of misfortune.
Under the influence of the mainstream Indian society, the Dimasa people
have now a days taken to observe Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja,
Ganesh Puja etc. which were quite unknown to them till very recent
times. Some of the Dimasa converts have also taken to observe Christian
festivals.
Dress
The Dimasa people have their own
unique dresses. Dimasa women are expert weavers. The Dimasa women wear
Rigu, Rajampain and Rikaosa woven by themselves in their traditional
loom called Daopang. Rajampain beren is a dress of bright and attractive
colours woven in multi colour strips specially meant for traditional
dances. Dimasa males wear Risa. The traditional Dimasa dresses are woven
by women folks. They also weave shawls, bed-sheets, scarves and so on.
Dimasa males have taken to wear western attires these days.
Language
The Dimasa people have their own
language which is similar to Boro but could not be developed due to
lack of patronage from the government of Assam. Though Boro language was
introduced in primary schools as a medium of instruction in 1968 and
was gradually upgraded to secondary education as well to college level,
but Dimasa language was left behind un attended. Interestingly though
the founding President of the Boro Sahitya Sobha, a pioneering literary
forum for all round development of Boro Language was Late Joy Bhadra
Hagjer from Dimasa community, the Dimasa language itself has failed to
be introduced in primary schools as medium of instruction, On the other
hand the Boro language was recognized as a course of study for Master
degree in Guwahati University in the year 1996. It was also recognized
an associate official language in Kokhrajhar district and Odalguri
subdivision in 1984 by the Assam government. In 2003 it has been
recognized in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Matrimonial System
The Dimasa like that of the Boro
society is a patriarchal system. A male child inherits his parents’
properties. An arranged marriage is generally accepted marriage in the
Dimasa society. Brides are married to live in the grooms’ house.
Nowadays under the influence of other societies – love marriage,
elopement, forced marriage (threatening the girl if she is not willing)
etc are not uncommon anymore.
Food habit
Rice is their staple food.
Dimasa people are generally non-vegetarians. Judima (rice beer) is their
commonly used drink. They drink Judima in festivals. Use of judima in
social functions and farming activities is also common in the Dimasa
society. Excessive use of Judima has been one of the evils the Dimasa
people have been struggling against
Population
The census reports of the Government of India, which ought to
be the most authentic documents, have suffered from anomalies, and as
such, they fail to give the exact population of the Dimasa people. Under
such circumstances, the population figures furnished by the Dimasa
social-political organizations appear more convincing. The present
Dimasa population is estimated to be over 400000 (Four lakhs). According
to the 2001 census Report, the total population of North Cachar Hills
is 1, 86,189, where Dimasa are the majority. Apart from NC Hills,
presently Dimasa People are scattered in Lumding Reserve Forest, Lumding
Town, Bordolong-Lanka Bheta Tribal Belt, Hojai Tribal Sub-plain (TSP),
Jamunamukh, Kalain Block, Katigorah Block , Borkhola ,Dolu , Udharbond ,
Lakhipur Sub-Division , Barak Reserve Forest , Dholai, Lumbajong
(Lamayung) Development Block, Dimasa inhabited areas of Howraghat and
Langsomepi Development Blocks, Dimasa inhabited areas of Rongkhang
Development Block of Hamren Sub-Division in Assam, Dimapur Town and
Dimasa inhabited areas of Dimapur District of Nagaland.
North Cachar Hills has as many
as 12 tribes. They are Dimasa, Jeme-Naga, Hmar, Kuki, Biate,
Hrangkhol, Khelma, Jaintia, Karbi, Vaiphei, Rongmei Naga and Mizos and
therefore proposed Dimaraji would have even more than these tribes since
the local inhabitants of Dimapur, as claimed in the above memorandum to
be curved out from Nagaland and to be included in the Dimaraji. Thus
the total estimated population on the proposed Dimaraji would be over 6
lakhs.
Economy
Economic scenario of the Dimasa
people inhabited areas in North Cachar Hills, Cachar, Karbi Anglong
district and other areas in Assam is not very encouraging. Geographical
remoteness coupled with poor communication, as well as infra-structural
facilities are the main factors behind the low level of development.
However, in spite of the gloomy scenario, prospects of Agriculture,
Horticulture and Forestry are bright.
Agriculture: Ninety-nine per
cent of the Dimasa population lives in the villages and therefore are
dependent on agriculture. A distinctive feature as regards to
agricultural practices of the Dimasa people is jhumming which is the
traditional way of their life. This is in fact a shifting process of
cultivation in cycles. About 70% of the total cultivated area is
jhumming area. This cultivation is done in Autumn season either as a
single crop or sometimes as mixed crop along with Maize, Ginger,
Turmeric, Chillies and Vegetables etc. The plot of land they hold is
indispensable for them for their livelihood. Though capitalism has been
flourishing in India since the time of the British rule the Dimasa
people could not detach themselves from the agrarian mode of production,
nor could they adapt themselves to the new system of economy. As a
result, they remained dependent on the plain, hills and mountain slopes
that they possesses. The landmass inhabited by the Dimasa people
particularly in the valley and plain areas is fertile and capable of
producing all kinds of crops. The productivity can be increased manifold
with application of scientific methodology.
Some horticultural crops cultivation, viz. pieapple, orange,
papaya and banana occupies a vital role in agricultural economy of the
Dimasa inhabited areas.
Winter paddy cultivation in flat lands mostly in river valleys
is done only in Rabi season. Efforts have been made by the departments
of Agriculture, Soil conservation and Irrigation to boost up the
agricultural economy by some modern methods. Though economic impact of
Jumming can not be ruled out at present, it has many drawbacks. It turns
the hill slopes barren by soil erosion and it is less productive and
does not commensurate with time, labour and investment. Keeping this in
view some private sector and some public sector undertaking has taken up
Coffee and Rubber cultivation in different localities of the district.
Some Agro-based industries are being established so that cultivators
become interested to new types of cultivation that feed industries.
Farming:
Livestock and Poultry occupy an important place in the
rural Dimasa economy. Buffalo, pig etc are the most common livestock
animals while hen and duck comprise the poultry birds.
Forestry : The major forest products consists of timber, cane,
bamboo etc. Other minor forest products include Agar, Chalmugra etc.
Boulders and gravels in the river beds along with stones are also
available.
Industry : Cement factories, saw-mills etc. are the private
organized sector industries in the Dimasa inhabitant areas. There are
four Cement Plants in the North Cachar Hills. Also, NEEPCO has
established “Kopili Hydel Project” at Umrangso which produces sizable
quantity of electricity. Unfortunately these industries instead of
benefiting the Dimasa people have impacted adversely not only damaging
their ecosystem but threatening their lives and cultural heritages.
Apart from these, weaving is also considered to be a household industry
in Dimasa areas. The Dimaraji has high potential for large areas Eri
& Mulbarry farm. Assam Hill Small Industrial Development corporation
has established a fruit preservation unit at Jatinga but it has failed
to function properly due to negligence on the part of their officials.
Minerals : Limestone and coal in small quantity are found in the
neighbourhood of Garampani i.e. from Khorangma to Gorampani.
Carbonaceous shale is available in Baga area. Good quality of limestone,
low in magnesia and suitable for cement manufacturing is also
available.
Ecotourism: Dimaraji has several places of high potential of
ecotourism having natural beauties like valleys, mountains, forests and
rivers, which is aptly compared as SWITZERLAND OF EAST and it could
generate a huge economic benefit for the local Dimasa communities. The
important places like Haflong, Jatinga, Maibong, Umrangso, Panimoor,
Laisong, Semkhor, Gunjung, Khorongma, Harangajao, Pathar Nalla
waterfalls in the Khrungming Reserve Forest etc.
Since the last part of the 19th
century the Dimasa people living in the plains have, however, been
facing the problem of land alienation in alarming magnitude. Large-scale
migration from East Bengal (Erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh),
Nepal as well as from the mainland India and their settlement in Dimasa
areas has adversely affected the economy of the Dimasa people. The
migration of the outsiders has changed not only the demography of the
region but also has dislocated socio-economic and political scenario. In
addition the non-tribal traders, businessmen and moneylenders grabbed
large areas of land of the Dimasa people exploiting their honesty and
simplicity.
The problem of land alienation
assumed an alarming proportion during the last few years. Protection of
tribal land from the outsider became the most important matter for the
Dimasa and other plain tribals.
The idea of protecting the
tribal lands by creating Tribal Belts and Blocks was noble but the state
government did not enforce the act in its letter and spirit. On the
contrary they encouraged immigration and thereby created their vote
banks. As a result, large-scale land alienation continued unabated under
the successive state governments. Most of the tribal lands have gone
into the hands of the non-tribals, particularly into the hands of
illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The government itself from time to
time de-constituted many of the Tribal Belts and Blocks with an interest
to weaken the tribal solidarity and socio-economic condition. According
to records available as much as 80 sq. km areas of Tribal Belts and
Blocks have been de-constituted by the Assam Government.
Besides allowing the illegal
immigrants the government has also given large areas of tribal land for
the purposes of industrial establishment, military installations, and
government offices and to the non-tribal bona fide citizens for
settlement. De-constitution of tribal Belts and Blocks, encroached by
the illegal immigrants and non-tribal Indians deprived the tribals of
their land, which was their only means of subsistence. The settlement of
the outsiders within the Belts and Blocks has been a fatal blow to the
economy of the Dimasa people. Many have fallen prey into the hands of
the non-tribal businessmen and moneylenders to whom they lost their land
compelling them to lead a life of landless daily wage earners.
The encroachment not only had
devastating affect on the socio-political life of the Dimasa people but
it also brought a drastic change in the demography, particularly in the
plains of Dimasa inhabited areas of Cachar, Nowgaon and other districts
of Assam. In Cachar illegal immigrants have become the predominant
population and thus the Dimasa people have turned into ineffective
minority exploited, discriminated, dominated and despised by the
outsiders.
Education
Education, whether formal or
informal, plays a great role in building of a society. In Dimasa
society, though formal school education started after the arrival of
Britishers in the hills in the region, but they have traditional
informal way of teaching their young generations about the values of
life. They are being thought about good and bad habits in their
childhood by their parents and elders in the village.
The actual survey & assessment of the actual situation of
the education of Dimasa people is not available. The source of Inspector
of School, N.C. Hills, Haflong reveals that as per 2001 Census the
literacy rate in the district of N. C. Hills is 69% as against the state
average of 64%. The female literacy is 59.40% as against the state
average of 56%. The male literacy is 76.59% as against the state average
of 71.73%.
Details of educational indicators are as follows:
a) Child population of 0-14 years : 55,000 Nos.
b) Enrolment in school:
1. Primary : 30400 Nos.
2. Secondary : 17183 Nos.
c) No. of primary schools : LP - 676, ME -175
d) Dropout rate primary (%) : 10
e) Teacher-pupil ratio (Primary) : 1:21
f) Teacher-pupil ratio (Secondary) : 1:26
Higher Education:
a) No. of Arts and Science Colleges : 4
b) No. of Engineering Colleges : NIL
c) No. of High Schools : 76
d) No. of B.Ed. Colleges : NIL
e) No. of Teachers Training Institute : 1
f) Medical Colleges (allopathic) : NIL
g) Industrial Training Institute : 1
h) Polytechnics : NIL
i) Govt.Training Tool Centre : NIL
Educational Institutions :
Sl. No. Type of Institution No. Category
Govt. 1
Adhoc. 2
Govt. NIL
Venture 2
Govt. 2
Provincialised 2
Central 2
Govt. 1
Provincialised 30
Govt. Aided 31
Unaided 2
Govt. 6
Provincialised 105
Adhoc/Govt. Aided 64
6. L.P.School 619 Under the N.C.Hills Autonomous Council
Health & Health Service
Generally Dimasa People are physically average built. As per the
source of Joint Director of Health, Haflong and statistical Hand Book
of Assam 2003, N.C.Hills district is lagging behind in health and health
services. The health indicators of the district are shown below.
Sl. No. Indicator N.C.Hills
1. Birth rate 2.36%
2. Death rate 0.39%
3. Infant mortality rate 4
4. Doctors per 10000 population 2
5. Population served by a medical institution 11181
6. No. of beds per lakh population 115
Health institutions (Nos.)
Hospitals : 1
Primary Health Centre : 5
Community Health Centre : 2
State Dispensary : 5
FW Sub Centres : 72
Medical Sub Centres : 5
Medical facilities :
Sl. No. Type Total Nos.
1. Civil Hospital 1
2. T.B.Hospital 1
3. Community Health Centre 2
4. Block Primary Health Centre 3
5. Mini Primary Health Centre 2
6. Subsidiary Health Centre 2
7. State Dispensary 2
8. Post Mortem Centre 2
9. Maternity & Child Health Centre 4
10. F.W. Sub-Centre 60
11. Medical Sub-Centre 4
Civil Aggression and Cultural Invasion
The annexation of the Dimasa
kingdoms by the British and later on by the Indian dominion caused
unabated immigration of Indian nationals with their institutions.
Politicians, industrialist, businessmen, administrators, brokers,
smugglers, usurers and the hoi-polloi of sundry nature in multitudes
intruded into Dimaraji with the sole intention of making their fortune.
They are exploring and extracting wealth and money everywhere and in
everything with their huge capitals that followed them. The virginity of
nature of Dimaraji and the sanctity and serenity of the native society
have been pulverized by these intruders. They have ravaged the forests
for the flora and fauna and polluted the water of the lakes and the
rivers in searching for valuables underneath and destroyed the soil in
order to appropriate mineral resources.
With extraction of huge money and wealth, the dominating Indians
elevated themselves to the stature of the affluent society but at the
cost of ecological balance of Dimaraji. Amidst queer habits and strange
customs of the dominating Indians, the native people felt awkward and
annoyed. On pretext of establishing industries, government officers,
military installations and tea gardens, the newcomers occupied vast
areas of land subsequently uprooting the indigenous Dimasa people from
their century old paternal acres, which were their only means for
subsistence
To add more agonies the native
people’s chagrin is that myriads of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh
swarmed into Dimasa peoples’ southern territories in search of greener
pastures and have occupied and encroached vast areas of land in defiance
to the law of the land at the very instance of the rulers who show more
commitment in pushing our population structure to jeopardy in order to
make the illegal immigrants their vote bank. This naked violation of the
law of the land on the part of the rulers has exacerbated the
socio-economic life of the Dimasa people. Outwitted and outnumbered the
Dimasa people were perplexed and they retreated to the remote and
interior jungles in utter hopelessness to keep themselves away from the
aggressors. The Indian troops, the Indian civilians and the illegal
immigrants with their arbitrary acts of exploitation, suppression,
oppression and domination have taken a toll of the identity of the
Dimaraji.
The imperialist India knew well that usurpation of political
power by the military invasion and capturing the economic power alone
would not be enough to perpetuate their rule unless the very identity of
the Dimasa people was razed to the ground. Thus a conspiratorial agenda
to assimilate the Dimasa people was placed in a pivotal attention of
the colonialist government. The Indian rulers were aware of the fact
that forcible imposition of Indian culture on the Dimasa people in order
to assimilate them would be counter productive. So a policy of cultural
imposition was hatched so smoothly to cover up the real motive with
counterfeit entertainment program in order that the Dimasa people would
not feel the brunt even when it was heavily hammered on them. All the
mass media have been used as the agents for propagating the dominant
culture, customs and traditions which have been accentuated massively
with a view to imposing them on the Dimasa people. Its impact on the
Dimasa society is unexpectedly so tremendous that they have almost
become crazy for the so-called mainstream culture, religion and customs
and traditions. The culture and religion of Dimasa people have so
overwhelmed that they lost their identity of being a distinct nation. To
their much credit the dominant society have succeeded in imposing their
culture on the native people who are made to feel that they are an
inseparable component of the dominant community. This is a serious
matter to reckon with which may stand as a stumbling block on the way to
Dimasa struggle for self-rule. Dimasa have their own culture, own
philosophy and own identity but they fell victim to the crooked policy
of assimilation and have been made to negate their self in order to
exalt Indianness.
Politics and Political Movements
The political movement for self
rule and self identity of the Dimasa people is not a new thing or a new
development. Since they were once the ruler of their dominated
territories, the love for self rule and political assertion is in the
blood of every Dimasa people. The sporadic political movements starting
from Tularam Senapati and the ongoing political demand of Dimaraji
clearly reveals that their patriotic mind and spirit cannot be
suppressed at any circumstances. The following Dimasa organizations were
borne at different times and their aspirations were articulated in
different levels which can be considered to be the genesis of the
present day demand of Dimaraji of the Dimasa people.
Nikil Cachar Hiramba Barman Samity
A socio-cultural and
socio-political organisation of Dimasa people christened as “Nikil
Cachar Hiramba Barman Samity” was borne in 1945 to monitor the over all
situation of the Dimasa people in Cachar. The organisation was headed by
its president Horendra Barman and General Secretary Joharlal Barman.
Dimasa National Organisation (DNO)
A nationalist organization of
the Dimasa people by name and style of the Dimasa National organization
was borne in 1948 headed by late N Barman as the president of the
organisation. The DNO was actually a nationalist by-product of the
fearless movement group of 58 strong Dimasa freedom fighters who joined
the INA on the 7th April, 1944 led by late Sengyajik Jaya Thaosen. The
DNO registered their demand for political self rule for Dimasa people in
the line of language affinity.
Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU)
With a view to safeguard the
greater interest of the Dimasa people, some of the educated Dimasa
youths organized themselves to form a students’ union in the name and
style of Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU) in 1952. The DSU was instrumental
in overseeing the over all interest of the Dimasa people since its
inception, particularly the welfare and safeguard of education,
socio-culture and socio-economic situations of the Dimasa people.
6th Schedule Merger Committee
A committee commonly called as
the 6th Schedule Merger Committee was formed in 1962 headed by its
president J Barman. The main objective of the said committee was to
launch a movement for the merger of the Dimasa people’s territories
along with Karbi Anglong for 6th Schedule under the constitution of
India.
Dimasa Sanskriti Parishad
The Dimasa Sanskriti Parishad
(DSP) was borne in the year 1975 in Cachar with a view to reawaken the
cultural identity and social and political consciousness of Dimasa
people headed by its president Nirod Boron Barman and General Secretary
Digamber Barman.
All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU)
All Dimasa Students’ Union
(ADSU) is a democratic, non-political and social umbrella organisation
of all students’ community belonging to Dimasa, Kachari, Barman and
Hojai Kachari Indigenous People of North East India. Earlier it was
known as All Dimasa Students’ Federation which followed a federal
pattern but since 8th of January 1991, it was rechristened as All Dimasa
Students’ Union (ADSU) unifying all the federal bodies belonging to
them in different places like in Nagaland, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, N C
Hills and Cachar.
The aim and objectives:
Struggle for existence, safeguard and welfare of the Dimasa community;
Serve the students and the community for all round developments
in education, literacy, various culture, language and socio-economy
etc.;
Eradicate social evils –illiteracy, untouchables and other superstitions which are detrimental to the society;
Preserve rich ancient heritages –traditional cultures, historical relics, identity etc.;
Claim legitimate constitutional rights and privileges for better growth, safeguard and co-existence among others;
Motto : “Glorify Dimasa”.
Principle : “Live and let live to grow together”
Movement: The All Dimasa
Students’ Union (ADSU) apart from safeguarding the common interest of
the Dimasa community as a whole has launched a democratic political
movement on 30th of April 2003 staging a demonstration at Jantar Mantar,
New Delhi demanding “Dimaraji”.
The major grievances of the All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU):
Today, the very existence of the
Dimasa People, nay, the aboriginal tribe of the North Eastern States is
at stake irrespective of places of their original traditional habitats
since the time immemorial in the region. Even after 60 years of Indian
Independence, there is no trace of least development or change of Dimasa
people in any aspect, and on the other hand, numerous problems are
cropped up and added to one after another everyday.
Till today, our people are
almost backward, neglected, deprived of all legitimate constitutional
benefits, and compelled to remain in despair and resentment. The rapid
development of other higher and more intellectual sections of the
society causes our people ‘surprised’.
After careful observations of
these grievous situations of our people the ADSU held the Government and
its administrative policies RESPONSIBLE. According to the ADSU, the
following are the main causes which retarded our unity and progress all
around.
1) The re-organisation of
Cachar, N.C. Hills, Nagaon and Karbi Anglong District of Assam, made
since independence without keeping in view of our Dimasa peoples’
predominance and legitimacy as a last ruling dynasty over the land have
badly affected us in our existence, safeguard and progress.
The whole Dimasa populated areas
of Cachar, Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts adjacent to the border of
North Cachar Hill ought to have been included in N.C. Hills so as to
serve the interest of the Dimasa people, but it did not.
2) The boundaries between Assam
and Nagaland States have not been rightly demarcated and settled in
consideration of all ancient traditional rights, claims and inhabitation
of the people. As a result, a sizeable population of the Dimasa people
are left out in Nagaland. Their existence and development, being
minority, are insecure, obstructed and ignored.
The boundaries between Assam and
Nagaland ought to have been so made that the entire Dimasa Kachari
tribes or the other Non-Naga people in and around Dimapur area who have
been there since the Kachari rule might leave with Assam. But it did
not. The Dimapur area has not returned to Assam even after the expiry of
the agreement, it is learnt.
3) The Dimasa people inhabited
the Reserved Tribal Belts and Blocks of Cachar and Nagaon Districts of
Assam, have never been protected and developed during the long 60 years
of independence. The areas still lack roads, good drinking water, health
centres, educational institutions, irrigation and electricity
facilities. The lands of the belts are now filled with foreign nationals
and other non-tribal encroachers.
4) The only two Autonomous Hills
Districts of Assam- Karbi Anglong and N.C. Hills have been kept
neglected without any development. No higher educational institute,
like, Central University, Indian Institute of technology, Medical,
Agriculture, Polytechnic, Commerce & Business Management etc. are
provided here to facilitate our young learners, in spite of knowing the
backwardness of our tribal localities. The roads, transports, health and
agriculture etc. benefits of the people are also on the same grievous
position. The influx of foreign nationals is never checked.
5) In Nagaland, though Naga
people can enjoy an M.L.A. seat with 500 to 800 voters, our minority
Dimasa Kachari tribes of Nagaland have not been provided till the last
Assembly election held in 1993.
There is no such consideration
in Assam. The Dimasa people of Cachar, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong
districts could have been provided with such facilities considering them
as sons of the soil, as well as the last surviving royal clans. But the
outsider non-tribal people who later surpassed in numbers our people by
immigration have been provided with Reserved MLA seats. In this way the
entire Dimasa people, as well as all aboriginal tribes are ignored and
ill-treated throughout the North-East since the dawn of India’s
independence.
6) Deprivation of all legitimate
constitutional rights and privileges on all socio-economical
developments of our minority people by the ruling majorities and
intellectually advanced societies.
As a result of all these
deprivations, demands for separate Homelands by Tiwas, Koches, Rabhas
and Misings are on the process. Moreover the Assamese community of
Bokajan and Howraghat areas are also crying to secede their areas from
the Karbi Anglong so as to merge with Sibsagar and Nagaon where from
they came earlier. These areas were carved out and included in Karbi
Anglong during its creation in 1952 under the Bordoloi Commission
without considering all pros and cons-sentiments, justification and
security of the people by the then intellectual experts.
Now, all minority communities
either tribal or Non tribal are struggling for their security and
development everywhere in the North-East. The costs of life and blood
are regardless before them.
The commitments:
After careful consideration on
all causes of the grievances and backwardness of Dimasa people, and the
prevailing situations throughout the North-Eastern States, the ADSU
committed themselves to struggle for achieving the following demands for
our survival and welfare.
1. Dimaraji:
The Dimaraji state must be
created by carving out the whole of North Kachar Hills and all Dimasa
populated areas of Cachar, Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam
and Dimapur sub-Division of Nagaland State, demarcating the territories
as per our last Kachari Kingdom ruled by Tularam Senapati till it’s
annexation by the British in 1854, for our self –rule.
2. New nomenclature of NC Hills District to Dimaraji District:
The name of ‘North-Cachar Hills’
must be changed by the word ‘Dimaraji District with immediate effect.
The words ‘N.C.. Hills’ do neither bear the real meaning of the land and
it’s people, nor the memory of it’s ancient Dimasa Dynasty who ruled
the Country by building their Capitals at Maiban, Khaspur and Moudonga
till British annexation.
3. Removal of Non-Tribal outsiders:
All Non Tribal outsiders must be
removed from the Tribal Belts and Blocks in which our Dimasa people are
populated. The removal of Non Tribals must be made in respect of those
who came and settled after the constitution of the areas as Belts and
Blocks so as to protect the interest of the Tribal inhabitants.
4. Reservation of MP seat for NC Hills District:
Provision of one separate
Reserved Seat of Member of Parliament for N.C. Hills District from the
next Parliamentary Election must be made.
5. Reservation of MLA seat in Cachar:
Provision of one separate
Reserved Seat in the Legislative Assemblies with minimum 2000 (Two
Thousand) Voters in the case of all aboriginal Minority Tribes.
Moreover, one Reserved MLA Seat for ST (Dimasa Tribe) of Cachar is a
must.
endments be made.
6. Recognition of Dimasa people in Nagaland, Kachar and Nagaon:
Recognition of All Barmans of
Cachar, Hojai Kacharies of Nagaon Districts of Assam and Kacharis of
Nagaland as ‘Dimasa Kachari’ through constitutional Am
7. Detection and Deportation of Foreign nationals from the North Eastern Region:
All Foreign nationals must be
detected and deported from the North Eastern states in accordance with
the Norms of the Assam Accord.
8. Establishments of higher specialized educational institutions in the NC Hills:
Set up Higher Educational
Institute like-Medical, Engineering, Science and Technology, Commerce
and Business Management and Handloom and Textiles etc. within the
Autonomous Hills Districts of Assam to facilitate the educationally and
economically backward Tribal people.
.
9. Preservation and development of the historical relics of ancient Dimasa dynasty:
Preserve and develop the
historical relics of ancient Dimasa Kachari Kingdom of Dimapur in
Nagaland and Khaspur, Maibang and Mahamaya etc. of Assam.
10. Restoration of Historic Dimasa National Monuments:
Vacation of Sericulture Farm and
other public occupants from Khaspur- the last capital and Royal Complex
of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom must be done so as to preserve the
remains of the important National Monuments.
11. Setting up of Tourism in Historical important places:
Set up Tourism Facilities at the
historically important places of the Autonomous Hills Districts of
Assam, and Khaspur in the district of Cachar, Assam.
12. Installations of TV and Radio Stations:
Set up T.V and All India Radio Stations with all facilities and of greater capacities in NC Hills District.
13. Setting up of Industries:
Set up Industrial Centers like
Paper Mills, Wooden and Bamboo Crafts, Handloom and Textiles in N.C.
Hills for Proper utilization of locally available raw materials.
14. Declaration of 12th February as State Holiday in honour of Veer Sambudhan Phonglo:
Declare State Holiday on 12th
February in memory of late Veer Sambudhan Phonglo, the last great Social
Reformer and Freedom Fighter from the Dimasa Community.
15. Special Socio-economic and Land provision for Dimasa people:
Provision of Employment, Land Settlement, Socio-economic
development grant, and all other facilities to our people through out
the state whatever admissible under the Constitution be made.
16. Re-organisation of districts of Karbi Anglong and NC Hills on community basis:
Re-organisation of various
districts of Assam on community basis and specification of
Constitutional guarantees to the Minorities of both Karbi Anglong and
N.C. Hills District prior to the grant of Autonomous Statehood one each
to the Dimasa and the Karbis be made separately.
Oath of the ADSU:
To fulfill, the commitment in
order to save our succeeding generations of present downtrodden and
oppressed Dimasa people, the All Dimasas Students’ Union, is today
stepping forward with all determination, courage, and skill, even at the
cost of life and blood.
Apart from the above brief
mentioned organizations, the democratic socio-political, socio-cultural,
literary organisations including religious organizations like Dimaraji
Revival Demand Committee (1994), Dimaraji Khunang Hosom, Dimaraji Mahila
Samaj, Sibrai Bosong, Dimasa Lagridim Mel, Jadike Naiso Hosom and
Dimasa People’s Council of the Dimasa people have expressed the Dimasa
peoples’ political aspiration in different times.
Armed struggle for Dimaraji
Dimasa National Security Force (DNSF)
The Dimasa National Security Force was formed in 1994 with a
view to fight for the political self determination of Dimasa people but
it had surrendered en masse in 1995, except its C-in-C Jewel Garlosa.
Dima Halam Daogah:
Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) is an offshoot of the erstwhile Dimasa
National Security Force (DNSF), which had surrendered en masse in 1995,
except for its self-styled Commander-in-Chief Jewel Garlossa, who
subsequently launched the DHD.
Objective: It's declared objective is to create a separate State
of 'Dimaraji' for the Dimasa (‘sons of the great river’) Indigenous
People, comprising North Cachar Hills , Dimasa dominated areas of Cachar
and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam and parts of Dimapur district in
Nagaland.
Leadership: DHD is led by its Chairman Dilip Nunisa and C-in-C
Pranab Nunisa. Kanta Langthasa functions as the home secretary of the
outfit whereas, Yathong Dimasa is the additional commander-in-chief.
Rongsling Dimasa is its organising secretary.
On June 24, 2004, Pranab Nunisa, commander-in-chief of the
organization and the head of the outfit’s armed wing, the Dima National
Army, took over the command of DHD by ousting its President Jewel
Garlossa on charges of anti-DHD activity. Nunisa, in a press statement,
said that Garlossa has already formed a separate outfit on March 31,
2003, named ‘The Black Widows’, which also has a private army.
Peace Negotiations: A ceasefire agreement was signed between the
DHD leadership and the Union Government on January 1, 2003 and the
agreement has been periodically extended. On January 1, 2004, the
ceasefire was extended for a period of one year, till December 31, 2004.
On September 23, 2004 a six-member DHD delegation led by ‘Chairman’
Dilip Nunisa met Union home minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi and
submitted a memorandum demanding a separate homeland for the Dimasa
People. However, the tardy progress of the negotiation process has
disappointed the DHD leadership, whose Chief Dilip Nunisa on December 4
termed the delay as "intentional procrastination".
Brief History of N.C.Hills
N.C.Hills district was a part of Kachari Kingdom before 1832.
The kingdom was extended from Jamuna in the North to the
foot-hills of Lushai Hills in the south & from the Kopili in
the west to the Angami & Katcha Naga hills beyond the
Dhansiri in the east. The Dimasa Kachari kings had their
Capitals successively at Dimapur, Maibang, Kashpur & lastly
at Horitikor ( Karimganj district near Badarpur ). In 1830, the
Dimasa king Gobinda Chandra was assassinated by his own
general Gambhir Singh, after that the British annexed the southern
part of the kingdom on 14th August 1832 under the doctrine of Lapsi. The
rest was ruled by last Dimasa General Tularam. In 1837 a
portion of Tularam’s kingdom was further annexed to the British
Empire & constituted into a sub-division of Nagaon district
in 1837 with Head quarter at Asalu. In 1854, on the death
of Tularam, the remaining portion of his kingdom was finally
annexed to the British Empire & added to the Asalu sub-division.
In 1867 this sub-division was abolished & apportioned into
three parts among the districts Cachar, Khasi & Jaintia Hills
& Nagaon.
The present North Cachar Hills district was included in the
old Cachar district with Asalu being only police outpost.
In 1880, this portion was constituted into a sub-division with Head
quarters at Gunjung under Cachar district.
This head quarter was shifted to Haflong in 1895. Since then
Haflong continues to be the Head quarter. In 1951, after commencement
of the constitution of India, North Cachar Hills as
specified under paragraph 20 of the sixth schedule to the
constitution, ceased to be a part of Cachar district. This part along
with Mikir Hills constituted a new civil district namely “ United
district of North Cachar & Mikir Hills” with effect from 17th
November, 1951. According to the provision of sixth schedule, two
different councils were constituted later on, viz., North Cachar
Hills District Council & Mikir Hills District Council within
the geographical boundary of that district. N.C.Hills District
Council was inaugurated on 19th April, 1952.
In 2nd February, 1970, Government declared an independent
administrative district, viz., North Cachar Hills District
with the geographical boundary of autonomous North Cachar
Hills district council. It may be mentioned here that
at present this autonomous council possesses administrative control over
almost all departments of the district except Law & order,
Administration & Treasury Deptt.
Geographical feature of the N.C Hills
Physical: The North Cachar Hills district is situated at
southern part of Assam & is bounded by Nagaland & Manipur state
in the east, Cachar district of Assam in the south, Meghalaya state
& the part of Karbi-Anglong district in the west & another part
of karbi-Anglong & Nagaon district in the north.
Latitude : Between 25o 3/ N and 25o 47/ N.
Longitude : Between 92o 37/ E and 93o 17/ E.
Altitude : (a) Eastern Region : - 600-900 metres
(b) Northern Region : - 1000-1866 metres.
Geographical Area : 4890 Sq. k.m..
Railway Area : 133.25 k.m.
Hills: The major portion of the district is covered by hills.
The main range is Borail of which " Thumjang" is the highest peak at
1866 metres & Hempeupet is the 2nd highest peak at 1748 metre.
The other main range is Khartheng range from Dittokcherra to Garampani .
Rivers: The main rivers are Kapili, Dehangi, Diyung,
Jatinga, Jenam, Mahur, Langting etc, of these Diyung river is the
longest river having the length of 240 k.m. Almost all rivers originate
from Borail.
Climate: Rainfall is heavy during the months from May to
September, but it is not evenly distributed throughout the district.
Climate condition is also not uniform. rainfall in Borail range is
heaviest. Annual average in this range varies from 2200 mm to 2700 mm
while in the Langting- Manderdisa- Diyungmukh area it receives much
less rain( i.e., from 1200 mm. to 1800 mm.).
The average mean maximum temperature varies from 24o C to 30o
C. The average mean minimum temperature varies from 10o C to 14o C .
The average relative humidity varies from 73% to 84%.
Types of Forest & its area: The areas covered by forest in the District is as shown below :
1. Langting Mupa Reserve Forest : 497.55 Sq. k.m.
2. Krungming Reserve Forest : 124.42 Sq. k.m.
3. Barail Reserve Forest : 89.93 Sq. k.m.
4.Unclassed State Forest : 3854.00 Sq. k.m.
5. Hatikhali Proposed Reserve Forest : 18.06 Sq. k.m.
6. Panimur Proposed Reserve Forest : 28.70 Sq. k.m.
7. Barail Proposed Reserve Forest : 17.60 Sq. k.m.
Important Forest Species & Forest Produces:
Important tree plants naturally available are Haldu, Gamari,
Titachopa, Nahar, Bonsum, Bogipoma, Bola, Koroi, Bhelu, Makri, Sal etc.
Minor Forest Produces available are Bamboo, Cane, Broom sticks,
Tezpat, Dalchini, Tannins, Medicinal plants & herbs, Honey, Sand,
Gravels etc.
Wild life: Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Barking Deer, Screw
Hollock, Gibbons, Black Bear, Wild dog, Wild Buffalo, Mithun etc are
the main inhabitants of the hill ecosystem. The varieties of birds,
snakes, tortoise & other reptiles, etc too, enrich the hills
biodiversities.
Minerals: Lime stone & coal in small quantity are found
in the neighbourhood of garampani . Carbonaceous shale is available in
Baga area. Good quality of lime stone low in magnesea & suitable for
cement manufacturing is also available.
TRANSPORTATION :
Major Routes
(Road)
1. Haflong- Dehangi- Diyungmukh- Lanka-Nagaon-Guwahati
2. Haflong- Dehangi- Umrangso- Jowai- Shilong- Guwahati
3. Haflong- Jatinga- Harangajao- Silchar
4. Haflong- Jatinga- Mahur- Maibang- Lumding- Diphu
(Railway)
1. Haflong- Lumding - Guwahati
2. Haflong - Badarpur - Silchar
Road distance from Haflong (in Kilometer):-
Place Distance Place Distance
Dehangi 52 Jatinga 6
Diyungbra 108 Langting 90
Diyungmukh 118 Lumding 140
Diphu 172 Mahur 30
Gunjung 34 Maibang 53
Guwahati 368 Shilong 240
Garampani 121 Silchar 110
Harangajao 39 Umrangso 93
Educational Institutions:
Sl. No. Type of Institution No. Category
Govt. 1
Adhoc. 2
Govt. NIL
Venture 2
Govt. 2
Provincialised 2
Central 2
Govt. 1
Provincialised 30
Govt. Aided 31
Unaided 2
Govt. 6
Provincialised 105
Adhoc/Govt. Aided 64
6. L.P.School 619 Under the N.C.Hills Autonomous Council
LITERACY RATE:
MALE FEMALE AVERAGE
1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001
66.39 76.59 47.34 59.4 57.76 68.59
CENSUS REPORT-2001:
POPULATION 2001 PERCENTAGE DECADAL GROWTH SEX-RATIO (NO. OF FEMALES PER 1000 MALES ) POPULATION DENSITY PER Sq. k.m.
PERSONS MALES FEMALES 1971-91 1991-01 1991 2001 1991 2001
186189 98899 87290 +98.30 +23.47 857 883 31 38
Summary
Dimaraji: a struggle for Legitimate Rights
After submission of the memorandum of the D.H.D. on 23.09.2004
to the Hon’ble Home Minister of India, many things happened to the
Dimasa people which need to be mentioned. The D.H.D. had entered into a
Ceasefire agreement with the Govt. of India on 1.1.2003 and by the time
the said memorandum was submitted we had our hands full with an ethnic
clash with the Hmars which spread over the N.C. Hills and Cachar
district continuing for several months and causing extensive destruction
of life and property on both sides. Close to its heels, came the
infamous split in the D.H.D. leadership. Joel Gorlosa, the founder
president/chairman of the organization was replaced by Dilip Nunisa as
the chairman of the organization. Gorlosa was lying low for some time
but since one year or so, he has remerged with a new outfit and has made
his presence felt. About the same we had another ethnic clash with the
Karbi in the Karbi Anglong district. The clash continued for several
months and many precious lives and huge amount of properties on both
sides were lost. By the grace of God, peace with both the tribes viz.
the Hmars and the Karbi has since been restored. In the district of
Karbi Anglong, however, many of the riot victims are yet to be fully
rehabilitated. What is more painful is the fratricidal feud between the
two factions of the D.H.D. which has been going on since many months
past. Gory incidents of killing and counter killing among the cadres of
both factions are reported almost every day. We regret that all our
endeavours to resolve this intense hostility have ended in failure. This
divided house on the other hand, has opened the door wide to a number
of other militant outfits of local and outside origin to operate in the
Dimasa areas. These militant outfits are vying with one another in
extortion, arson, kidnapping, killing and what not. In this district,
which was once known as an island of peace, the sense of security has
become a thing of the past and along with it the development works have
come to a standstill. Suffice it to say, we have lost out twenty years
in the matter of development in economic, education and other important
areas.
It is, however, heartening to note that the Administration is
doing its best to rise to the occasion. At the moment, the Army has
mounted operation together with the Police and other security forces and
some of the activists, small or big are reportedly caught in their net.
In the mean time, the demand of the Nagas for inclusion of N.C.
Hills or at least a large part of it in the proposed greater Nagaland is
still on and keeps the Dimasa mind uneasy. The claim, it is said, is
based on historical grounds. This appears to be a problem. The relevant
facts of the history are that after the fall of Dimapur in 1536 A.D, the
Dimasa King shifted his capital to Maibang in 1540 A.D. and later to
Khaspur in Cachar and ruled over the area extending from Dimapur to
Khaspur, which included the North Cachar Hills. In 1832 A.D. the British
annexed the Cachar portion of Dimasa Kingdom, but the North Cachar
portion still continued to be ruled by the Dimasa under the General
Tularam Senapati. Two years later (1834 A.D) the British snatched away
half of the Tularam’s territory in the western side and constituted the
same as subdivision in 1839 with Asaloo as its headquarters and tagged
the same with Nowgong district. After Tularam’s death in 1851 A.D, the
British finally took over his remaining territory in 1854 A.D. and
included the same in existing North Cachar subdivision loosely called
Asaloo Subdivision. Thereafter, the British Government pursuing its
‘Forward Policy’ created the Naga Hills District for the first time in
the year 1866 A.D. with Samaguting and few other villages and in the
same year abolished the North Cachar subdivision and parceled out its
territory to the neighbouring districts, viz. Nowgong the newly Naga
Hills district and Cachar. Diyung River, extending from Kopili River on
the west to the Borail Hills ranges on east went to the newly created
Naga Hills district and the southern hilly portion including Asaloo area
to the Cachar district. The subdivision was, however, re-established 14
years later i.e. 1880 A.D. and the areas earlier transferred to Naga
Hills and Cachar districts were restored to the re-established
subdivision. Thus it was a case of restoration of the lands in question
to its original and not to be held as transferring the lands of the Naga
Hills district to North Cachar. The fact that the whole of the North
Cachar had been under the Dimasa rule for more than 300 years should not
be forgotten. The claim of the Nagas on these lands can therefore to be
examined on historical or moral grounds. We wish the misconception be
removed. Incidentally, the areas of the North Cachar transferred to
Nowgong district, which contained a vast expanse of fertile plain lands
were not returned to North Cachar. A substantial part thereof has later
been included in the Karbi Anglong District at the time of its creation
in the year 1951 A.D. The Dimasa living in both these two districts have
been rendered insignificant minorities and swamped by the non Dimasa
population losing out their lands and properties to the latter. Being
the indigenous people of the area they certainly deserve a better deal.
All said and done, the ultimate solution of the Dimasa problem
seems to be still far ahead. To bring a change in the grim scenario, the
D.H.D. issue must be solved favourably. But no tangible result in the
peace process is seen as yet though it is more than 3 (three) years now
since the ceasefire agreement was signed. The Govt. of India seems to
remain content by extending the agreement from time to time and holding,
“peace talks” once in a while in between. We wish both the Governments
in the State and the Centre was more sincere towards solving the long
drawn Dimasa issue. They are not asking for the moon and in the given
circumstances, it seems, no other alternative can adequately recompense
the more than century old deprivation forced on them by the successive
rulers in different times.
Further, following the recent announcement/warning of the Prime
Minister (Guwahati January 16, 2007 that the government would engage in
dialogue only with the groups that give up violence), we as the national
democratic umbrella organisation of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
of the country wish the promised dialogue to unconditionally begin
without any further delay to avoid any unintended wrong message
transmitted and find a political solution to Dimasa issue.
SOME OF THE HISTORICAL FACTS & EVENTS OF DIMASA PEOPLE AT A GLANCE
DIMASA IN ASSAM
(5000 BC- TILL DATE) : 7000+ YEARS
AHOMS’ ARRIVAL TO ASSAM : 1228 AD
FALL OF DIMAPUR : 1536 AD
SHIFT OF DIMASA CAPITAL TO MAIBONG : 1540 AD
SHIFT OF DIMASA CAPITAL TO KHASPUR : 1761 AD
BRITISH ANNEXED SOUTH CACHAR : 1832 AD
TOTAL LOSS OF DIMASA KINGDOM
(LOSS OF NORTH CACHAR DIMASA KINGDOM) : 1854 AD
SLICING AWAY OF DIMASA KINDOM
(CREATION OF NAGA HILLS DISTRICT) : 1866 AD
RENAISANCE OF DIMASA PEOPLE : 1920 AD
INDIA GOT HER INDEPENDENCE (15th August) : 1947 AD
CREATION OF N C HILLS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT
COUNCIL : 1951 AD
BIRTH OF DIMASA STU DENTS’ UNION (DSU) : 1952 AD
CREATION OF N C HILLS DISTRICT (2nd Feb) : 1970 AD
BIRTH OF ALL DIMASA STUDENTS’ UNION (ADSU) : 1991 AD
FORMATION OF DHD & DEMAND OF DIMARAJI : 1995 AD
CEASE FIRE BETWEEN DHD & GOI (1st January) : 2003 AD
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