Deaths, protests: Assam boils over reports of inclusion of Dima Hasao district in Greater Nagalim

On Thursday, during a 48-hour bandh called by various organisations, protesters went violent which forced police to open fire in Maibong, Assam leading to the death of two persons.

Guwahati, Jan 27: Assam witnessed high-voltage drama after protests broke out over reports of inclusion of Dima Hasao district in Greater Nagalim.

The hill district in the state saw protests after media reports stated that Dima Hasao has been made a part of Greater Nagalim in the draft of Naga peace deal signed between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) in 2015.

In fact, media reports quoted a functionary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who revealed about the plans to include the hill district of Assam in Greater Nagalim.

The residents of Dima Hasao district, where the tribal community Dimasa is in majority, protested over the reported deal between the Centre and the NSCN (IM).

On Thursday, during a 48-hour bandh called by various organisations, protesters went violent which forced police to open fire in Maibong, leading to the death of two persons.

While one died on Thursday, another succumbed to his injuries on Friday. Media reports stated that at least 10 people were also injured in the police firing.

"Maibong(Assam): 2 dead and 10 injured allegedly in police firing during protest after a bandh called by various organisations against the proposed inclusion of Dima Hasao district in Greater Nagalim," tweeted ANI.

On Friday, the Republic Day function at the district headquarters town Haflong was cut short with just hoisting of the tricolour as there was hardly any public present.

The day being a national holiday, all offices, educational institutions, banks, post offices, markets and other establishments remained closed. But shops and markets were closed and vehicles were off the roads due to the bandh call, officials said.

On Thursday, protesters had blocked trains at Maibong station, broke windowpanes of a train, damaged properties at the station and removed tracks, a NF Railway spokesperson said.

To disperse the mob, police initially lathicharged and then fired in the air. Officials claimed that police had to open fire as the mob was unrelenting and continued their violence by damaging vehicles of the deputy commissioner's cavalcade.

The residents of the district are worried over losing their land to Nagaland, if reports of including the district in Greater Nagalim are true.

They are also against the idea of an autonomous body, on the lines of the Bodoland territorial council, for Nagas living in Dima Hasao.

OneIndia News