THE Dimaraji Mohila Somaj (DMS) central committee has welcomed the decision taken by the Central Government and the Dima Halem Daogah (DHD) of extending the ceasefire agreement by another six months. The DMS has also urged the government to find a solution to the vexed Dimasa problem within the extended ceasefire period. The DMS has warned that it might take up the path of armed resistance if the government failed to deliver on their demands. DMS has expressed its concern over the “mysterious role” played by Cabinet Ministers of Assam. The release accused the ministers of aiding the Hmar militants in carrying out excesses against the Dimasa people. Blasting some of the ministers, the DMS stated that these ministers were playing vote-bank politics and allowing Hmar militants from States like Manipur and Mizoram carry out their acts of ethnic cleansing of the Dimasa people. The Hindu Dimasas have accused the Church of funding and supporting the Hmar militants. The DMS said that it is beyond their comprehension as to how the Government of India could allow the Christian missionaries to carry out anti-Indian activities in the guise of religion. DMS had appealed to the Christians in the North-East to follow the true traditions of Christainity and refrain from falling into the the violent propaganda of the militants. Having lost faith in the State Government, the DMS has sought the intervention of the Central government in providing more security forces in the trouble torn districts of Cachar and NC Hills. Fearing mass-scale conversions of Dimasas under duress, the DMS has urged the Central government to enact the Anti-conversion law in Assam. The DMS has warned the government that if immediate steps are not taken to alleviate the conditions of the Dimasas and ensure their security, the organisations will be bound to take up the path of a armed struggle to protect the Dimasas from extinction.
 

GOVT APATHY TO CARNAGE-HIT DECRIED

After the fact finding mission of the Synjuk Seng Shnong (SSS) to the affected Khasi-Pnar villages in Cachar district, a meeting was held at Khliehriat on August 2 where a large number of people who had fled the villages gathered to air their grievances. They expressed their unhappiness and resentment over the ongoing conflict between the Dimasa and Hmars, the lackadaisical attitude of the Government in not paying attention to their plight. The meeting with Rev L S Pohkshang in the chair was also attended by SSS central body members, representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) — Rev F C Haia, Rev K Lyngkhoi, Rev M Basaiawmoit, Rev Laldangliana, Rev W C Khongwir and also the chairman Dorbar Pyllun Khliehriat, Pher Nongtdu. It may be mentioned here that after the visit of the fact finding team of the SSS to the affected villages, a report was submitted to the State Government on the plight of the Khasi-Pnars urging the authorities concerned to provide them relief and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, no positive response was received till date. According to information gathered by the SSS, more than 350 families fled from different villages of NC Hills, Karimganj and Cachar districts of Assam and are now dispersed and settled in various places of Jaintia Hills like Moolamylliang, Sakhri, Khliehriat, Jowai, Lumshnong, Tongsiang, Kuliang, Umkiang, Bapung, Ratacherra, Umshain, Brishyrnot and even Killing which is in Bhoi district and other parts.

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