Halflong (NC Hills) | April 20: Following the reported killing of five Zeme villagers in the past couple of months by the Dimasa insurgent outfit DHD (J), ethnic tension brewing in the scenic North Cachar Hills district in Assam is threatening to blow into a full-scale conflict.
The Zeme Nagas are arming and have taken a stand to defend themselves and, if necessary, to retaliate. All the twenty-odd Zeme villages along the Kohima-Lieke interstate road and Mahur-Halflong stretch have set up barricades and bunkers along both sides of the roads leading to the villages. Armed volunteers are keeping twenty four-hour vigil in these posts.
The villagers have also fortified themselves with bamboo fences and stakes and other indigenous methods of defence.
In addition, the villagers have also requisitioned volunteers from neighboring Zeliangrong villages under Manipur and Nagaland states. At one of the roadside bunkers, a volunteer wielding a muzzle-loading gun told visiting media persons that the volunteers are keeping twenty four-hour vigil on rotation-basis as the DHD (J) militants might strike any time.
A youth leader of the area disclosed that besides the volunteers, some 75 youths of the area have volunteered to take up arms training. “What we need now is money for buying guns and arms training,” he added.
Many of the men folk here, especially youths have expressed opinion that the only way to counter the DHD menace is to go on the offensive by attacking Dimasa villages. Even NSCN (IM) cadres based in the NC Hills seem to be keeping a close watch on the development. “We are on full alert and aware of the activities of the DHD. We know the locations where the 170-odd DHD cadres are presently camping,” an NSCN (I-M) “lieutenant” told media persons. He however declined to offer further comment.
Origins of the tension
According to Zeme elders, the genesis of the tension between the Dimasa on one hand and Zemes and other communities on the other, started some 7-8 years back with the demand of DHD’s for a separate Dimasa homeland. The militants’ “Dimasa homeland” was to comprise of the NC Hills district. This led to the Dimasa-Hmar conflict of 2003.
Later, the DHD (J) faction came up with the demand for change of district nomenclature from NC Hills to so-called “Dima Hasao Raji” (‘Hill kingdom of the Dimasas’), which was allegedly backed in a covert manner by other DHD groups, Dimasa public and politicians.
Alongside the “Dima Hasao Raji” demand, the DHD (J) also demanded 80% reservation of all government jobs for Dimasas, transfer of all lands to Dimasas and introduction of inner-line permit for all communities except Dimasas, in NC Hills. The Zemes, who form the second largest community in NC Hills after the Dimasas, strongly opposed the proposal for creation of a “Dimasa homeland”, arguing that they were the “first inhabitants” of NC Hills.
Citing historical “sources”, a Zeme elder said the Dimasas first came to NC Hills in the 16th century after they fled Dimapur under pressure of the Ahom king and took shelter at Maiban, a Zeme village in present NC Hills. Other communities like Kukis, Hmar, Karbis and Nepalis also opposed the “Dima Hasao Raji” demand and along with the Zemes, formed the Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF) for protection of their rights and land.
According to Zeme leaders, the Zemes earned the wrath of the DHD after the other communities who earlier reportedly endorsed the creation of “Dimasa homeland”, later withdrew their signatures on learning that the Zemes refused to endorse the same.
The Zeme Council (Assam) said from 2000 till date, the DHD had killed 15 Zeme villagers in “cold blood” including five this year. “Their (DHD) main intention is to coerce the Zemes into submission with regard to their demand. So long as the illogical demand for ‘Dima Hasao Raji’ persists, there can never be peace in NC Hills,” a Zeme elder said.
According to reliable reports, other communities are also waiting to join forces with the Zemes to protect their “land and property.” One striking thing was the absence of security personnel in the area. This is despite the imminent threat of an ethnic clash between the majority Dimasas and Zemes and other communities as evident in the preparations of the villagers and the uneasy calm prevailing in almost all town and villages of NC Hills.
Deputy Commissioner of NC Hills on Sunday told a visiting team of Naga Hoho officials that the police force was stretched due to the ‘ongoing election process’. The DC however assured the Naga Hoho that security personnel would be deployed to the vulnerable areas at the earliest. Meanwhile, farming and allied activities in this part have almost come to a standstill as the villagers are apprehensive to venture outside the fortifications of their villages.
Zemes to bar DHD entry
Dimapur, April 20 (MExN): Decrying the bloody carnage unleashed by Dimasa militants of the DHD (Jewel), the Zeme community has sent out a message that no “any DHD factions/outfits” shall be allowed in Zeme-inhabited areas. Following the violent surge against Nagas by Dimasa militants in Assam’s North Cachar Hills, the Zeme community converged in a meeting on April 7 in Peren. In the meeting, the community vehemently denounced the violence unleashed by the DHD (J) militants against Zemes in NC Hills. Sternly noting the ploy and agenda of the Dimasa militants, the community has taken the resolution to deny entry of ‘DHD’ militants in all Zeme areas.
“The members after in-depth deliberation, vehemently condemned the inhuman actions of the DHD (J) and further resolved not to allow or shelter any DHD factions/outfits in the Zeme areas henceforth” the Zeme Council of Nagaland stated. A statement from the council was received here today.
The council made clear that the Zeme community has been living in the NC Hills on ancestral lands and there is ‘no force on Earth’ to question the birthright of the Zeme people and the land they occupy, the council said. The council listed out the community’s history in the NC Hills: The first Naga areas were founded into a sub-division headquarters at Asaloo in Zeme areas in “Nowgong” district in 1852.
This development was initiated with the objective to administering the Naga areas by the British with the formation of a full-fledged Naga Hills district in 1866 with an established HQ at Samagooting (Present Chumukedima in Nagaland). Asaloo was too far to be effectively administered.
Eventually, a new sub-division was formed at North Cachar Hills in 1870 and Asaloo was shifted and placed under Cachar district now known as NC Hills. These areas are inhabited by Zeme Nagas also and the land is contiguous to areas inhabited by Zemes of Nagaland, the council said. The Zeme Council added here that when the state of Assam was reorganized, the Zemes of NC Hills were asked to opt either to remain in Assam or join Nagaland. “The Zemes opted for Nagaland without any reservation and accordingly submitted a memorandum to the then leadership of the republic of India,” the council said.
However, the community was arbitrarily divided without the consent of the people, when the Indian states were reorganized after independence, “on the basis of language and culture” the council said. “The history of the Zeme Naga cannot be distorted by any forces, groups or individuals for their selfish interest. The Zeme Council shall continue to protect and preserve its land and its people till the last” the statement added.
Naga Hoho conveys solidarity
Morung Express News
Halflong (NC Hills) | April 20 : In the backdrop of the displacement of Zeme villagers in NC Hills following the killing of five Zeme villagers in three separate incidents during February-March this year, the Naga Hoho has expressed solidarity with the Zeme brethren and assured that the hoho would not forsake them in this time of need.
A Naga Hoho delegation led by speaker HK Zhimomi and including deputy Speaker N Huire and information secretary C Daipao, visited the villages affected by violence. They held interactions with leaders and public of the area and displaced villagers on April 18 and the 19th. The hoho team gave a patient hearing to the grievances of the villagers and their apprehension of more violence. The hoho assured to do whatever possible to protect the lives and rights of Zeme villagers in the NC Hills. “Nagas have one struggle and one vision…we will never leave you alone even in future. Anytime and as when you need us, you can convey your grievances to us,” Zhimomi told the villagers. Referring to the demand of the so -called “Dima Hasao Raji” and alleged coercion of other communities to achieve the demand, Zhimomi said, “we have history on our side.” The team also handed some relief materials to the villagers.
On Sunday, Naga Hoho members called on the deputy commissioner of NC Hills on Sunday and discussed the security aspects as well as the need for the district administration and security forces to maintain strict impartiality. The Naga Hoho speaker also told the DC that it would not be good if any tribe or community tries to create a “new history” at the cost of the Zeme’s history. The hoho team was accompanied by office bearers of Zeliangrong Baudi and its units, All Zeliangrong Students Union (AMN), Zeme Council of Nagaland, including ZLR (N) president K Akhang, vice president Raitu Elu and speaker D Abraham.
Source: http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/21518.html
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The Zeme Nagas are arming and have taken a stand to defend themselves and, if necessary, to retaliate. All the twenty-odd Zeme villages along the Kohima-Lieke interstate road and Mahur-Halflong stretch have set up barricades and bunkers along both sides of the roads leading to the villages. Armed volunteers are keeping twenty four-hour vigil in these posts.
The villagers have also fortified themselves with bamboo fences and stakes and other indigenous methods of defence.
In addition, the villagers have also requisitioned volunteers from neighboring Zeliangrong villages under Manipur and Nagaland states. At one of the roadside bunkers, a volunteer wielding a muzzle-loading gun told visiting media persons that the volunteers are keeping twenty four-hour vigil on rotation-basis as the DHD (J) militants might strike any time.
A youth leader of the area disclosed that besides the volunteers, some 75 youths of the area have volunteered to take up arms training. “What we need now is money for buying guns and arms training,” he added.
Many of the men folk here, especially youths have expressed opinion that the only way to counter the DHD menace is to go on the offensive by attacking Dimasa villages. Even NSCN (IM) cadres based in the NC Hills seem to be keeping a close watch on the development. “We are on full alert and aware of the activities of the DHD. We know the locations where the 170-odd DHD cadres are presently camping,” an NSCN (I-M) “lieutenant” told media persons. He however declined to offer further comment.
Origins of the tension
According to Zeme elders, the genesis of the tension between the Dimasa on one hand and Zemes and other communities on the other, started some 7-8 years back with the demand of DHD’s for a separate Dimasa homeland. The militants’ “Dimasa homeland” was to comprise of the NC Hills district. This led to the Dimasa-Hmar conflict of 2003.
Later, the DHD (J) faction came up with the demand for change of district nomenclature from NC Hills to so-called “Dima Hasao Raji” (‘Hill kingdom of the Dimasas’), which was allegedly backed in a covert manner by other DHD groups, Dimasa public and politicians.
Alongside the “Dima Hasao Raji” demand, the DHD (J) also demanded 80% reservation of all government jobs for Dimasas, transfer of all lands to Dimasas and introduction of inner-line permit for all communities except Dimasas, in NC Hills. The Zemes, who form the second largest community in NC Hills after the Dimasas, strongly opposed the proposal for creation of a “Dimasa homeland”, arguing that they were the “first inhabitants” of NC Hills.
Citing historical “sources”, a Zeme elder said the Dimasas first came to NC Hills in the 16th century after they fled Dimapur under pressure of the Ahom king and took shelter at Maiban, a Zeme village in present NC Hills. Other communities like Kukis, Hmar, Karbis and Nepalis also opposed the “Dima Hasao Raji” demand and along with the Zemes, formed the Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF) for protection of their rights and land.
According to Zeme leaders, the Zemes earned the wrath of the DHD after the other communities who earlier reportedly endorsed the creation of “Dimasa homeland”, later withdrew their signatures on learning that the Zemes refused to endorse the same.
The Zeme Council (Assam) said from 2000 till date, the DHD had killed 15 Zeme villagers in “cold blood” including five this year. “Their (DHD) main intention is to coerce the Zemes into submission with regard to their demand. So long as the illogical demand for ‘Dima Hasao Raji’ persists, there can never be peace in NC Hills,” a Zeme elder said.
According to reliable reports, other communities are also waiting to join forces with the Zemes to protect their “land and property.” One striking thing was the absence of security personnel in the area. This is despite the imminent threat of an ethnic clash between the majority Dimasas and Zemes and other communities as evident in the preparations of the villagers and the uneasy calm prevailing in almost all town and villages of NC Hills.
Deputy Commissioner of NC Hills on Sunday told a visiting team of Naga Hoho officials that the police force was stretched due to the ‘ongoing election process’. The DC however assured the Naga Hoho that security personnel would be deployed to the vulnerable areas at the earliest. Meanwhile, farming and allied activities in this part have almost come to a standstill as the villagers are apprehensive to venture outside the fortifications of their villages.
Zemes to bar DHD entry
Dimapur, April 20 (MExN): Decrying the bloody carnage unleashed by Dimasa militants of the DHD (Jewel), the Zeme community has sent out a message that no “any DHD factions/outfits” shall be allowed in Zeme-inhabited areas. Following the violent surge against Nagas by Dimasa militants in Assam’s North Cachar Hills, the Zeme community converged in a meeting on April 7 in Peren. In the meeting, the community vehemently denounced the violence unleashed by the DHD (J) militants against Zemes in NC Hills. Sternly noting the ploy and agenda of the Dimasa militants, the community has taken the resolution to deny entry of ‘DHD’ militants in all Zeme areas.
“The members after in-depth deliberation, vehemently condemned the inhuman actions of the DHD (J) and further resolved not to allow or shelter any DHD factions/outfits in the Zeme areas henceforth” the Zeme Council of Nagaland stated. A statement from the council was received here today.
The council made clear that the Zeme community has been living in the NC Hills on ancestral lands and there is ‘no force on Earth’ to question the birthright of the Zeme people and the land they occupy, the council said. The council listed out the community’s history in the NC Hills: The first Naga areas were founded into a sub-division headquarters at Asaloo in Zeme areas in “Nowgong” district in 1852.
This development was initiated with the objective to administering the Naga areas by the British with the formation of a full-fledged Naga Hills district in 1866 with an established HQ at Samagooting (Present Chumukedima in Nagaland). Asaloo was too far to be effectively administered.
Eventually, a new sub-division was formed at North Cachar Hills in 1870 and Asaloo was shifted and placed under Cachar district now known as NC Hills. These areas are inhabited by Zeme Nagas also and the land is contiguous to areas inhabited by Zemes of Nagaland, the council said. The Zeme Council added here that when the state of Assam was reorganized, the Zemes of NC Hills were asked to opt either to remain in Assam or join Nagaland. “The Zemes opted for Nagaland without any reservation and accordingly submitted a memorandum to the then leadership of the republic of India,” the council said.
However, the community was arbitrarily divided without the consent of the people, when the Indian states were reorganized after independence, “on the basis of language and culture” the council said. “The history of the Zeme Naga cannot be distorted by any forces, groups or individuals for their selfish interest. The Zeme Council shall continue to protect and preserve its land and its people till the last” the statement added.
Naga Hoho conveys solidarity
Morung Express News
Halflong (NC Hills) | April 20 : In the backdrop of the displacement of Zeme villagers in NC Hills following the killing of five Zeme villagers in three separate incidents during February-March this year, the Naga Hoho has expressed solidarity with the Zeme brethren and assured that the hoho would not forsake them in this time of need.
A Naga Hoho delegation led by speaker HK Zhimomi and including deputy Speaker N Huire and information secretary C Daipao, visited the villages affected by violence. They held interactions with leaders and public of the area and displaced villagers on April 18 and the 19th. The hoho team gave a patient hearing to the grievances of the villagers and their apprehension of more violence. The hoho assured to do whatever possible to protect the lives and rights of Zeme villagers in the NC Hills. “Nagas have one struggle and one vision…we will never leave you alone even in future. Anytime and as when you need us, you can convey your grievances to us,” Zhimomi told the villagers. Referring to the demand of the so -called “Dima Hasao Raji” and alleged coercion of other communities to achieve the demand, Zhimomi said, “we have history on our side.” The team also handed some relief materials to the villagers.
On Sunday, Naga Hoho members called on the deputy commissioner of NC Hills on Sunday and discussed the security aspects as well as the need for the district administration and security forces to maintain strict impartiality. The Naga Hoho speaker also told the DC that it would not be good if any tribe or community tries to create a “new history” at the cost of the Zeme’s history. The hoho team was accompanied by office bearers of Zeliangrong Baudi and its units, All Zeliangrong Students Union (AMN), Zeme Council of Nagaland, including ZLR (N) president K Akhang, vice president Raitu Elu and speaker D Abraham.
Source: http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/21518.html
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