Dima Hasao
A view of NC hills. Image credit - Outlook India

The demand of the Dimasa National Council (DNC) for formation of a separate Hirimbapur Autonomous State, carving out areas under the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and three other historic Dimasa kingdoms including Dimapur in Nagaland, has received mixed reactions in Dima Hasao district.

Reiterating its demand for a separate Hirimbapur Autonomous State, the DNC on Monday submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in support of their demand and also sought return of Dimapur to Assam.

Also read: Dimasa Council wants Dimapur’s merger with Assam, submits memo to Rajnath

The DNC demanded setting up of one administrative unit in the name and style of Hirimbapur Autonomous State under the Article 244 (A) by carving out the entire North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and three other historic Dimasa kingdoms including Dimapur, Maibang and Khashpur areas of adjoining Karbi Anglong, Hojai, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts of Assam.

Reacting to the demand of the DNC, former Haflong MLA and former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of NCHAC, Samarjeet Haflongbar said, “The issue of a separate autonomous State formation will have to be taken at the highest level. The Government should take steps in this regard. Nothing will happen if the State Government and the Centre don’t take any concrete decision.”

On the other hand, Dima Hasao district president of the All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) Uttam Langthasa said, “The issue of separate autonomous State or Council would come later. The first question is when has the Dimasa National Council or DNC been formed or who are leading this organization? We know nothing in this regard.”

He also said, “On the other hand, while there are several months left for the next Lok Sabha and NC Hills Autonomous Council elections, proposal for a separate autonomous State is very significant.”

Smelling ‘political conspiracy’ in it, Langthasa said, “There might be political conspiracy behind the proposal.”

Expressing his view on the issue, Manoj Hojai, an educated youth from Maibang in the district said, “As per records, Dimapur was a part of Assam and it was given to Nagaland on lease. In this ground, Dimapur should be returned to Assam. However, all should remain alert so that no misunderstanding takes place between the Dimasas and the Nagas over the demand for formation of a separate Hirimbapur Autonomous State.”

Hojai said, over the demand for taking back Dimapur, the greater Assamese society should raise voice in a legal way.

Though this correspondent approached several leaders of different organizations and political parties, they refused to comment on the issue.

Pankaj Kumar Deb is Northeast Now Correspondent in Haflong. He can be reached at: [email protected]

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