[Previous entry: "Vatican ambassador for peace in Nagaland"] [Next entry: "PM likely to talk with Nagas, Meiteis"]

10/27/2005: "NMA puts up banner for women’s empowerment"

NMA puts up banner for women’s empowerment The Morung Express News
October 26
Kohima: The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) today called for a review of the letter written by the Nagaland government and addressed to the National Commission for Women. The letter, christened ‘unrealistic’ by the NMA, states that the situation in Nagaland does not warrant the setting up of a panel of the Commission. "The Naga Mothers take empowerment of women as one of the approaches to solve the miseries that afflict our Society." While acknowledging the establishment of a separate department for women the NMA lamented that the government had "forgotten the untold miseries and pains that Naga women go through." Justifying on gender equality as the "ultimate measure of humanity" in a release, the influential women’s organization said the Women Department of the State Government could have at least consulted various women organizations/groups before such an "unwanted decision was taken on behalf of the women." While stating that the move reflects the poor understanding power of the concerned authority, the release asserted: "Therefore, the Naga Mothers object to the letter written to the National Commission for Women."
Naga student marks debate history Kuknalim.com
Yaronsho Ngalung of NSU becomes first North-East student to speak at Debate

NEW DELHI, Oct. 26: In the runup to the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Students’ Union (JNUSU) polls, yesterday’s Presidential Debate made history Yaronsho Ngalung, of the Naga Students Union (NSU), became the first presidential candidate from North-East to speak at the Debate-an institution in itself in the University. Ngalung represented the NSU’s alliance with the Students for Campus Solidarity (SCS) and Students’ Solidarity (SS) for the elections. ‘‘I represent the unheard, repressed and discriminated people of the North-East,’’ said Ngalung, a Naga from Manipur, while going over the progress and perceived impasse in the dialogue process between the Centre and Naga separatists.

In bringing attention to his student group’s cause, Ngalung also mentioned similar events and ‘‘atrocities in North-Eastern States and Kashmir’’ asking for a political resolution to these issues and seeking the JNU student community’s long-standing ‘‘solidarity’’ with the marginalised, to elect him as president. And he had a few campus issues as well-more hostels, opening the 24x7 cafeteria and more ‘‘transparency in admission process to help SC/ST students and those from other marginalised sections in gaining admission.’’

However, Ngalung’s address was received with marked indifference by the audience. No questions were put to him by the audience in the question-answer session, although Naga students showed up in strength. Ngalung said later that he wanted to make a statement, and the Debate was the best place to be heard. the NSUI, ABVP and AISF-SFI candidates had a lively interaction with him. Ngalung asked them, as members of student bodies of parent national parties, about their plan for Nagas. Much music, banners and vitriol, and very little light. The Presidential Debate in the runup to the JNUSU elections yesterday night saw major student parties outwit the rivals’ stands and ideologies, and in the process, having very little to say about the campus. Mona Das of the AISA, seeking re-election and on the defensive after leading a students’ body in which other members were from the rival SFI-AISF combine, had to field criticism from candidates and later from the audience about water supply, non-establishment of the proposed 24x7 dhaba and other campus issues. But her own speech had little about the campus for the next year, and more on bigger public issues. Mona raised the issue of misappropriation of funds worth Rs 1 lakh in Ganga, her hostel, a matter that is still being investigated. While NSUI candidate Ninad Shankar Nag criticised the Left and recounted the Congress commitments to independent India, SFI-AISF combine’s Shona Mitra started with the UPA government, although she did make the obligatory promise of ‘‘more scholarships and infrastructure development’’ for the campus. Just as intrinsic to the Debate as the relentless quotes from history, dates, events, books and page numbers and articles were the flag-waving party supporters, backed by singers, dholaks and cymbals, sarcastic heckling from rivals. The independents, too, had their say. Preetam, a PhD researcher in Political Science, asked whether the ‘‘so-called student movements in JNU had anything original to offer to the rest of the country which looks up to us.’’ (ENS)
All issues open within constitution:PM The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, OCT 26 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the government is willing to discuss ‘all issues bothering’ Assam but within the framework of the Constitution.
The prime minister, who attended a historic meeting between the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom -selected People’s Consultative Group and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, said the time has come to end violence in the northeastern state.
Briefing the media after the meeting in which the contentious issues of sovereignty and ceasefire is believed to have been raised, the PM’s media advisor Sanjaya Baru said, "The prime minister said he is willing to discuss all issues bothering the people in Assam." Quoting the prime minister, Baru said, ‘I am willing to listen (to) whatever concerns that you made. I am a servant of our Constitution and you should recognise the complexity of our polity.’
Arup Borbora, a member of the 11-member PCG, said it was agreed at the meeting that the nearly three-decade long conflict ‘could be resolved through political negotiations and peace dialogue’.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who attended the meeting which lasted two hours 20 minutes, said the prime minister was ‘not afraid’ to discuss any issue but had to work within the framework of the Constitution. "It is a good message to ULFA, I hope they will respond," he said.
Borbora described the talks as ‘absolutely congenial, open minded and heart-to-heart’ and said similar rounds would take place ‘in the near future rather than in the distant future’. Official sources said the next round of talks would be held with the Home Ministry but no time frame had been fixed yet.
Quoting the prime minister, Baru said, ‘The time has come to end violence. Let us work together to bring a glorious chapter for the people of Assam.’
The meeting was held in two sessions, the first attended by the PCG, Narayanan and top home ministry officials in which Gogoi also joined.
The prime minister attended the second session, Borbora said. While it was not officially stated what issues were discussed, sources said ceasefire and ULFA’s demand for sovereignty were also discussed.
"We have expressed our view point. The Government of India also expressed its view. It was basically at a preliminary stage and Manmohan Singhji said the government is prepared to discuss all the issues that the PCG brings forward or the ULFA has been pushing through the PCG.
"We are hopeful that things will proceed in right direction in right direction to facilitate a lasting and permanent political settlement of the long conflict," he said. Gogoi said that the prime minister was ‘very keen’ to bring peace and prosperity to the northeast and asked the PCG to prepare the ground so that ULFA comes to the talks table.
Beyond Khonoma The Morung Express Editorial
With an estimated US$ 3 trillion in annual revenues, tourism has emerged as one of the world’s largest industries, contributing significantly to economies. However, tourism can also be both an opportunity for conservation and a threat to biodiversity. Therefore any plan to promote tourism need to be carefully planned and implemented so that it is both economically and environmentally sustainable in the long run. A State like Nagaland richly endowed by nature has immense potential offered by ecotourism.
Against this backdrop the inauguration of the Khonoma Green Village, a first of its kind in India is both encouraging and appreciated. Khonoma, apart from its historical context and natural beauty, the conservation efforts to enforce total ban of burning jungles, ban of commercial logging in its vast forest reserves, ban of hunting of wild animals and birds in its village grounds are indeed laudable and such community based initiative must be likewise emulated by other Naga villages and communities. As the first green village in India, Khonoma will hopefully live up to the path breaking trend it has shown as a model village promoting ecotourism and in the process generating sustainable livelihoods for its people.
Much credit should also go to the Khonoma Tourism Development Board (KTDB) for its tireless effort in steering the entire project right from the project stage to its final culmination. It is also hoped that the initiative taken will now be projected through proper marketing channel which will enable local communities to introduce visitors to their art and craft, cultural and natural heritage.
The enriching culture of the Nagas are still vibrant in the villages and the State government should encourage and support more rural tourism projects beyond Khonoma so that while preserving the rich culture and craft of the people a sustainable dimension of rural life can also set in, as a means to viable livelihood opportunities for low-income rural communities.
Besides coming out with concepts and models, for tourism to really succeed in Nagaland, both the government at the Centre and in the State should take some policy initiatives. For one, the relevance of RAP/PAP restrictions in the current context needs to be reviewed by the Centre and at least certain areas of tourist interest should either be exempt or relaxed. The state government on its part should review the ILP regime so that genuine tourists are not hassled while visiting Nagaland. Improving road connectivity to the districts and villages of tourist interest has to be given high priority as well.
The government should continue to encourage tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially, as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the local community for a more enriching tourism experience.
PM to ULFA emissaries: Talks yes, but no talk on sovereignty Indian EXPRESS
Meeting representatives of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aware of apprehensions within the security establishment, ruled out any talk on the key ‘‘sovereignty’’ issue, saying he was ‘‘a servant of the Indian Constitution.’’
While this morning’s meeting with the ULFA-selected People’s Consultative Group (PCG) was more ‘‘talking about talks’’, the Prime Minister made it clear: ‘‘I am willing to listen to whatever concerns that you have. I am a servant of the Constitution and you should recognise the complexity of our polity.’’
Though the ULFA representatives are keen that the Centre announce a ceasefire against the extremist group, official sources indicated that the Government has no intention of replicating the NSCN (I-M) model for a dialogue with the ULFA leadership based in Bangladesh. But the 11-member PCG, which met the PM and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, appeared satisfied with the assurances. The next round of dialogue, for which dates have not yet been fixed, will be held with appointed representatives of the Home Ministry. The dialogue with the ULFA takes place at a time when the ruling Congress in Assam gears for Assembly polls next year. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, PCG member Arup Borbora, son of former Assam Chief Minister Golap Borbora, said that the ‘‘long standing conflict can be resolved through sustained political dialogue.’’
Describing today’s talks as ‘‘positive’’, he said there would be similar talks in the future. ‘‘The PM has agreed to discuss all issues, including those which the ULFA is pushing through the people,’’ he maintained.

Govt ready to discuss all issues: PM From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 26 – The first round of dialogue between the ULFA-appointed People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and the Government of India got off on an encouraging note with the two sides agreeing to discuss all contentious issues and to keep the channels of communication open. It took two hours and 20 minutes of discussion to break the ice and at the end of it both sides appeared content with the discussions that was the focus of attention of the nation. The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh today made it clear that the Government was willing to walk the extra mile for the sake of peace and prosperity. At the same time, he also made it clear that he has to function within the limits of the Constitution of India. The first day talks were spread over two sessions and saw the PCG explain in details the demands raised by the ULFA and also submitted a note to that effect. The discussions are now going to be taken over by the Home Ministry and the next round of talks are likely to be held next month. The first session was chaired by MK Narayanan, National Security Adviser, and the second session was attended by the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.

Prime Minister’s media adviser Sanjay Baru told newsmen that Prime Minister commended the role played by Dr Indira (Mamoni Raisom) Goswami. The Prime Minister said that the time has come to end violence and work together to open a new chapter of peace. “I am willing to listen to whatever concern you have but at the same time I am a servant of the Constitution and you must recognise the complexities of our polity,” Prime Minister said. According to PCG member Lachit Bordoloi, they discussed all the issues including the core issue of sovereignty, release of the detained ULFA leaders and suspension of Army operations. The technical details of these demands are likely to be thrashed out when they meet the Home Ministry officials. Significantly the two sides agreed to exercise maximum restraint.

Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, who was first to emerge from the meeting, told waiting newsmen that he was highly satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and he appreciated the role played by the Prime Minister and others. “The Prime Minister is very keen to bring peace and prosperity to Assam and he has requested the PCG members to bring the ULFA to the negotiation table,” he added. The Prime Minister is also very keen to bring an end to violence and the basic issue is that he is not afraid to discuss any issue. But he has to work within the framework of the Constitution. “The meeting today was a positive step and it would send a good message to the ULFA and I hope that they would also respond,” he said.

Later briefing newsmen, spokesman of the PCG, Arup Borbora said that the atmosphere was very congenial and they had heart to heart talk with an open mind. “We have agreed that the long standing conflict should be resolved through a political dialogue as it is the only effective way to resolve the conflict.” The talks progressed in a positive note and similar rounds of talks will take place in near future rather than in the distant future. Describing the talks as preliminary in nature, he said that the Prime Minister expressed his willingness and assured that he was prepared to discuss all the issues that the PCG brings forward and which the ULFA has been pushing through the group. Declining to reveal the details of the discussion, he said that they were very hopeful and talks were progressing in the right direction to facilitate a lasting and meaningful peace and a political settlement of the conflict. One of the members of the PCG said that the ULFA has sought release of six detained ULFA leaders and the women and children, who were handed over to Indian Army by Bhutan.
The mood of the group can be summed up with what Lachit Bordoloi said “At this pace, people would soon see ULFA on the negotiation table.”

The PCG members presented a traditional silk shawl and gamocha to the Prime Minister. HIGHLIGHTS

Royal Treatment: No one may be sure about the outcome of the ongoing peace process, but Government of India is not leaving anything to chance, if the arrangement made for the visiting Peoples’ Consultative Group (PCG) is any indication. Apart from lodging the Group in a posh Guest House in South Delhi, all local transportation arrangement has been taken care of by the Centre. The Office of National Security Adviser (NSA) has given the task of hosting the Group to the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which has assigned a sizeable number of its personnel to look after them. The arrangement was equal to that of hospitality extended to the NSCN (I-M) delegation when they visited Delhi in 2003 after a gap of three decades.
Home Ministry missing: As the peace process is being handled by the NSA and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Home Ministry was conspicuous by its absence. When an official of the Ministry was asked about the peace process, he pleaded his ignorance saying that they were in the dark as PMO was handling the entire show. Such was their plight they were not even sure whether Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil was invited to the meeting.
Protocol problem: When Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami and Paresh Baruah’s childhood friend Rebati Phukan met NSA MK Narayanan and insisted that Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi be invited for the first round of talks with PCG, they did not realise they have put the office of NSA into protocol hassles. The Chief Minister, who enjoys Cabinet status at the Centre cannot attend a meeting convened by the NSA who is ranked as Minister of State. So Gogoi was clueless whether he was going to attend the meeting until Monday evening, as he was yet to get a formal invitation. That was when the Prime Minister stepped in and announced that he was going to be present at least for the initial few minutes. It was only after that NSA’s office got in touch with the Chief Minister, who was preparing to leave for Guwahati on Wednesday morning. “In absence of any communication I had scheduled some party programme on October 26. But now that an invitation has come I postponed my departure,” Gogoi told this newspaper.
Hardliners: The PCG had prepared themselves well and right down to the last minutes details. But when they met at Dr Goswami’s North Campus house to fine tune the drill, they were taken aback by the hard-line stand taken by one of the members. The member on the very evening of their arrival created quite a flutter when he commented out of turn and spoke strongly in favour of the demand for sovereignty to a BBC Correspondent. Panicky members soon went into a huddle and decided to reassign their role least the peace process gets derailed even before it get started. Remarked one member,” had the gentleman said these things in front of the Prime Minister, forget about the peace process, we may have been booked under the National Security Act (NSA).”

Dress code: Although there was news report about the ULFA commander-in-chief relaying a set of code of ethics to the members of the PCG, they confided that no such directions had come. But a few of them decided to wear traditional silk dress when they went to meet the Prime Minister.

Additional forces reach Karbi Anglong By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 26 – Ten additional companies of Central forces have reached the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills to bring the situation under control. The Centre decided to send the forces after the recent visit of the Union Minister of State for Home, Sriprakash Jaiswal to the State to review the situation after ethnic riots claimed nearly 90 lives in Karbi Anglong.

Police sources said that eight additional companies of Central forces have been deployed in Karbi Anglong, while, two companies have been deployed in NC Hills. Though no clash has been reported from NC Hills, additional forces have been sent to the district as a precautionary measure to prevent occurrence of any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, police said that the situation in Karbi Anglong has been improving gradually and no fresh incident was reported from any part of the district in the last four days. The police and paramilitary forces have launched a massive operation in the district to nab the culprits involved in the clashes and the DIG of the Central Assam Range, LR Bishnoi is camping in the Kheroni area of the district to supervise the operations. So far more than a hundred persons have been arrested for their involvement in the clashes. Three columns of Army personnel have also been deployed in the district and more personnel are expected to reach the district within the next few days.

More than 47000 people of the hill district are still staying in the relief camps and police said that the people would have to be sent back home in a phased manner. Sources said that the administration would not force anyone to go back to their homes. But those willing to go back would have to be sent back with adequate security. Sources pointed out that in the initial stage, the displaced people of the villages located within a radius of two to three kilometres from the police stations and police outposts would be sent back to their villages and security of the villages can be provided by mobile patrolling. Similarly, the people of the villages located near the National Highways can be sent back home. In the next phase, the people of the isolated villages would have to be sent back by posting fixed pickets of police and paramilitary forces for a cluster of four or five villages. Police said that majority of the people living in the relief camps escaped from their villages out of panic and their villages were not attacked. But the State Government would have to formulate a policy for the rehabilitation of the people whose houses were burnt down in the attacks.

On the positive side, police claimed that there is no enmity among the common Karbi and Dimasa people and in fact, people of both the communities are living together in the relief camps. Only the miscreants were attacked in the clashes and there have been instances, where common people were forced to burn down the houses. Because of this factor, it should not be hard to send back the people to their respective villages once the situation improves, police pointed out.
Police also admitted that “collection of intelligence” turned out to be a major problem for the security forces as the people are not too keen to share information with the forces. “Moreover, because of the rough terrain, whenever we get information about movement of any armed group, it is too late for operational purpose as by the time the forces reach the area, the miscreants get enough time to get away,” sources admitted.

Sangma expresses concern over ethnic clashes in NE From Tage T Tara Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Oct 26 – Former Lok Sabha Speaker and senior NCP leader PA Sangma has expressed grave concern over the growing ethnic clashes among tribal communities of the North-east region.
Talking to newsmen here on October 25 at the end of two-day NCP state executive meeting, the eight times MP from Tura Parliamentary Constituency in Meghalaya said that “tribal people of North-east region ought to respect each other and remain united”.
Advocating “development for peace”, Sangma said intra-tribal rivalry is eating into the social fabric of the region, adding that it needed to be contained urgently by giving “autonomy” to all the tribal institutions with a federal assembly in line of western parliamentary system to decide their developmental activities independently.

Speaking on the relationship of ruling Congress with his NCP, who extended its unconditional support from outside, Sangma said the Nationalist Congress Party in Arunachal Pradesh looked forward to strengthen its relationship with the Congress. “In politics, support has to be reciprocal,” Sangma said.The NCP leader who recently rejoined the party spoke about the aim to strengthen the party as an alternative national party considering that the Congress and BJP were on decline. He further informed that the meeting put forth a suggestion to form the NE NCP Co-ordination Committee adding that the NE NCP unit conference to be held in Feburay next at Guwahati would decide formation of the committee. Replying a question on the inclusion of NCP legislators in the Congress-headed government in the state, Sangma said that the party has decided to extend to the government but it was the CM’s prerogative to decide on the composition of ministry. Sangma urged both the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Government to maintain “status quo” on the border dispute and constitute a joint boundary commission involving MLAs, Chief Ministers and people from both affected areas to visit disputed areas and elicit opinion on the spot. The meeting also urged the state government to impress upon the Centre to waive off the Special Arms Forces Act and Disturbed Area Act from the insurgency infested districts of the state in the wake of gross violation of human rights commited by the security personnel.

ULFA talk : Constitution rider still on Sangai Express

New Delhi, Oct 26 : A crucial dialogue to possibly rope in the banned ULFA into the peace process got underway here today with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh setting the tone saying the Government was willing to discuss “all issues bothering” Assam but within the framework of the Constitution.
The Prime Minister, who attended a historic meeting between the ULFA-selected People's Consulta- tive Group (PCG) and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, said the time has come to end violence in the North-Eastern State.
Briefing the media after the meeting in which the contentious issues of 'sovereignty' and ceasefire is believed to have been raised, the PM's media advisor Sanjaya Baru said “the Prime Minister said he is willing to discuss all issues bothering the people in Assam.”
Quoting the Prime Minister, Baru said “I am willing to listen (to) whatever concerns that you (PCG) made. I am a servant of our Constitution and you should recognise the complexity of our polity.”
Arup Borbora, a member of the 11-member PCG, said it was agreed at the meeting that the nearly three-decade long conflict "could be resolved through political negotiations and peace dialogue.”
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who attended the meeting which lasted two hours 20 minutes, said the Prime Minister was “not afraid” to discuss any issue but had to work within the framework of the Constitution.
“It is a good message to ULFA, I hope they will respond,” he said.
Borbora described the talks held today as “absolutely congenial, open minded and heart-to-heart” and said similar rounds would take place “in the near future rather than in the distant future.”
Official sources said the next round of talks would be held with the Home Ministry but no time frame had been fixed yet.
Quoting the Prime Minister, Baru said “the time has come to end violence. Let us work together to bring a glorious chapter for the people of Assam.”
The meeting today was held in two sessions, the first attended by the PCG, Narayanan and top Home Ministry officials in which Gogoi also joined.
The Prime Minister attended the second session, Borbora said.
While it was not officially stated what issues were discussed, sources said ceasefire and ULFA's demand for sovereignty were also discussed.
“We have expressed our view point. The Government of India also expresed their view. It was basically at a preliminary stage and Manmohan Singhji expressed that the Government is prepared to discuss all the issues that the PCG brings forward or the ULFA has been pushing through the PCG.
“We are hopeful that things will proceed in right direction in right direction to facilitate a lasting and permanent political settlement of the long conflict,” he said.
Gogoi said that the Prime Minister was “very keen” to bring peace and prosperity to the North-East and asked the PCG to prepare the ground so that ULFA comes to the talks table.
He said today's meeting did not discuss nitty-gritties which would be taken up later between the PCG and Government officials. PTI S
Karbi Langpi project by June 2006 Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Oct 26 (UNI): The on-going 100 MW Karbi Langpi hydro electric in Assam will be completed by June 2006, State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said here today.Gogoi had called on Power Minister PM Sayeed here to discuss the progress of the 100 MW Karbi Langpi hydro electric project being constructed by the Assam State Electricity Board. The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for sanctioning the required loan amounting to Rs 125 crore and release of Rs 40.28 crore and assured that with the timely release of funds, the project is now expected to be completed by June 2006. He also discussed the rehabilitation of the Bongaigaon Power Project and the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP) work in the State.
The Central Government has sanctioned projects worth Rs. 656 crore and Rs 159 crore has been released so far. Mr Sayeed appreciated the progress made by Assam in implementation of APDRP Schemes. The Transmission and Distribution losses have been reduced by one-third and it was agreed that more serious efforts would be required in controlling the losses. The Power Minister informed the Chief Minister that the franchisee model of electricity distribution in rural areas has been circulated to other States in the country for consideration adoption. He also urged the State Government to expedite implementation of the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) programme for which 100 per cent funding is available from the Union Government. The Chief Minister said that the Regional Centre of National Power Training Institute in Guwahati, set up by the Centre would provide high quality technical training facilities for the manpower in Assam and other North-Eastern States.
Hill autonomy movement suffers setback BACKDROP/ KA CARNAGE Sentinel GUWAHATI, Oct 26 (UNI): The latest spell of bloodshed in Karbi hills is construed as a major setback to the decades-old autonomous State movement in the twin hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills in the State. The autonomous state movement has been spearheaded by the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC), a major political party based in hill districts, with support from different ethnic groups there, including Karbi and Dimasa tribes.
However, the unprecedented violence, a result of the bloody battle for supremacy between Dimasa militant outfit Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) and Karbi ultras of United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), in Karbi Anglong since September 26 this year which has so far left over 80 persons from Karbi and Dimasa tribes dead and more than 45,000 homeless, has caused irreparable damage and mistrust between Karbi and Dimasa tribes.
This will not augur well for the autonomy movement as it is the Karbis in Karbi Anglong and Dimasas in North Cachar Hills who are basically pursuing the demand for an autonomous state comprising the twin hill districts within the State of Assam as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and under the leadership of the ASDC. It is a matter open for an in-depth inquiry as to who was really behind the flare-up in Karbi hills where DHD and UPDS resorted to mindless and barbaric killings of innocent villagers from both Karbi and Dimasa tribes. The present ASDC leadership is left with a herculean task of restoring the age-old brotherhood between Karbis and Dimasas for the sake of autonomy movement. "It will not be easy given the magnitude of violence witnessed by the people from both the tribes who are still under shock. Mistrust and insecurity have gripped the populace in the hill district," said a source in the ASDC.
The autonomous state movement was a brainchild of the CPI-ML which floated the ASDC in 1980s to spearhead the movement and make it popular among the masses in the hill districts. The movement suffered the first major setback in late 1990s when the ASDC was split into two groups. To make the matter worse, the CPI-ML faction of the ASDC was derecognised by the Election Commission before the last election to Karbi Anglong Autonomous District (KAADC) which is now ruled by the Congress.