DHD votes for first time after 15 years

Silchar, Apr 10 (UNI) Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) militants today exercised their franchise for the first time after 15 years in two polling stations in Haflong and Diphu in the second and final phase Asom Assembly election to 61 seats.

The DHD cadres, now under ceasefire agreement with the Centre, along with its chairman Dilip Nunisa, cast their votes at Government Girls HS School booth in Haflong.

Outfit chairman Nunisa told UNI that 47 of its cadres exercised their franchise in Haflong in south Asom and 40 more voted in Dhansiri area of Diphu constituency in central Asom.

More than 500 cadres were living in different designated camps in twin North Cachar and Karbi Anglong Hill districts of the state, he said. However, those who had found their names absent from voters list, could not vote this time.

'' We took part in this democratic process after 15 long years of our jungle life. It is an extremely nice feeling, '' he said.

The DHD, a militant outfit fighting for a separate state for Dimasas called ''Dimaraji'' comprising NC Hill and Karbi Anglong, parts of Nagaon and Cachar districts of Assam and Dimapur areas of Nagaland had been under ceasefire agreement with the Centre since January 1, 2003.

Under the agreements, the DHD cadres had been living in different designated camps spread in NC Hills and Karbi Angling districts.

He hoped that the Centre will respond positively towards their demand for Dimaraji and the issue would be solved without further delay.

UNI XC SJC MN RS1605