Thengchum Teron
Karbi Anglong and NC Hills District of Assam have been plagued by unprecedented ethnic conflict since 2003. The control over land and resources on ethnic grounds are some of the causes that have exacerbated the conflict. Since than the two Districts has witnessed Dimasa-Hmar conflict in 2003, Karbi-Kuki conflict in 2004, Adivasi -Bihari conflict in early part of 2005.
The ethnic conflict we are witnessing in Karbi Anglong at present is the ideological conflict between the Dima Halam Dauga (DHD), Dimasa militant group and the United People Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Karbi militant group. The DHD claims to represent the Dimasa Community and the UPDS the Karbis. It may be mentioned that both this militant outfits are at present engage in Ceasefire with the Government of India.
In the charter of demand to the Union Government the UPDS had pledged for the creation of Separate State (Hemprek Kangthim) for the Karbis under the Article (3) of the Indian Constitution.
It can be noted that the Constitution of India in its Article 244 (A) has categorically stated the provision for creation of Autonomous State for the two Hills District of Assam, namely Karbi Anglong and NC Hills.
Clarifying their stand for creation of Separate State under Article (3) of the Constitution the UPDS claims Autonomous State alone could not satisfy the aspiration and expectation of the Karbis as it has its loopholes and drawbacks.
Furthermore, the DHD in their charter of demand to the Union Government they categorically requested for the creation of Separate Dimasa State (Dimaraji), carving out of the existing boundaries of Nagaland and Karbi Anglong District, Nagaon District, Cachar District of Assam. They opined that the land they are demanding is their constitutional right as these areas were earlier ruled by their Kings. They pointed out the Dimapur was the Capital of the Dimasa Kingdom before the advent of the Ahoms and Nagas and have every right to reclaim their land.
The recent development in Karbi Anglong is the ideological conflict between the UPDS and DHD. Prior to the ethnic violence there have been reports that both the outfit was engage in conflict to establish their supremacy in Karbi Anglong and NC Hills District.
The ethnic violence had erupted in Karbi Anglong with the killing of three Dimasa auto drivers on 26th September near Manja. The DHD pointed its finger at its rival UPDS, accusing it was behind the killing. The later denied the accusation and declared the allegation were baseless and uncalled for. They even cleared their stand by supporting the bandh called on 28th of September in protest against the killing.
Contradicting the statement issued by the DHD the Police report stated that the killing of the three youths were the handiwork of some dacoits and anti-social elements.
After the 26th September incident, more than 100 lives were lost. The most gruesome of the killing occurred on the 17th October 2005 when 34 Karbi passengers of two ill fated bus of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council were hacked to death by DHD cadres at Charchim. The miscreants didn’t even spare a three month old infant.
In the two month long ethnic conflict property worth crores had been destroyed, thousand of Karbi and Dimasa villagers had to flee from their homes to take shelter in relief camps set-up by the Administration. Till today estimated more than 50,000 people are taking shelter in different relief camps in Karbi Anglong and adjoining NC Hills District. Mean while the future of the Students of the District are becoming bleak as Schools and Colleges are converted into Relief camps.
(Arleng Daily)
