Amidst tension continues to grip Dima Hasao over the proposed inclusion of Dima Hasao in Greater Nagalim and setting up of satellite council in the district as reported in the media recently, the Assam Government on Monday handed over an assurance letter to the NC Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC).
The Assam Government had a meeting in Guwahati with a delegation of the NCHAC led by Chief Executive Member Debalal Garlosa and members of various organizations to discuss about the current situation prevailing in Dima Hasao district over the Greater Nagalim issue after the Maibang firing on January 25, 2018.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was present at the meeting, which was also attended by Assam Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta and PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.
Chief Minister Sonowal stated that no satellite council or special development authority would be allowed on Assam’s land and he called on all sections of the people to maintain peace and harmony.
“Not a single inch of the state’s land would be ceded,” the CM asserted.
The CM also said that Assam’s map will not be allowed to be altered and he has taken up with the matter with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh when they talked over phone on Sunday night.
The CM said that the Union Home Minister assured that Assam’s territorial integrity would not be harmed and no divisive force would be allowed to succeed. Additional Chief Secretary VB. Pyarelal has been entrusted with the inquiry into the matter and strong action would be initiated once the report is submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary, the CM assured.
The CM also said that he would visit Dima Hasao soon and hold meeting with the village headmen of the area for addressing the concerns of various stakeholders.
After the police firing at Maibang in which two protestors were killed while protesting against proposed inclusion of Dima Hasao in Greater Nagalim as reported in the media, Ministers Suklabaidya and Mahanta met the family members of the slain youths at Maibang.
Talking to media persons after the meeting on Monday, Minister Keshab Mahanta said, “We will not allow setting up of any other council in Dima Hasao.”
Regarding the January 25 police firing at Maibang where two protestors died and seven others were injured while protesting against proposed inclusion of Dima Hasao in Greater Nagalim, Mahanta said, “Additional Chief Secretary VB Pyarelal has been given responsibility to form a high-level enquiry committee which will conduct a neutral probe into the January 25 incident.”
The Assam Government will provide free treatment to all the injured in the January 25 firing incident and if needed they would be sent to outside the State for treatment, said Mahanta.
He also said, “Assam government will provide Rs 5 lakh to the next kin of the two persons who died following all government norms,” adding, “The government will also provide job for one of the members of the deceased’s families.”
Jagdamba Mall, a veteran Rashtriya Sayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak, who has been active in Nagaland for over four decades, revealed details of a draft Nagaland peace plan that he drew up and circulated to the media recently.
When asked, if any action would be taken against Mall, Water Resources Minister Mahanta further said, “An FIR has already been filed against Mall and the government will take necessary action accordingly.”
Representatives from All Dimasa Students ’ Union along with members of various organisations of Dima Hasao were also present in the meeting.