NSCN-IM call to Assam hill tribals

NSCN-IM call to Assam hill tribals
Karbis, Dimasas refuse to be part of ‘Nagalim’

GUWAHATI, Jan 25: The Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), the pro-talks faction of the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) today refused to take the bait of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) which recently extended an invitation to the Karbi, Dimasa, Kuki, Hmar and other tribes to get together and decide "which side" they wanted to stay with. The student body and the two other tribal militant outfits which are currently holding peace talks with the Government said that the NSCN (I-M) move was inspired by its aim to form the greater ‘Nagalim’ by uniting all Naga-inhabited areas in the region.

It may be mentioned here that NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, addressing the fourth ‘Naga People’s Consultative Meet to Strengthen Indo-Naga Political Talks’ convened by the NSCN (I-M) at its designated headquarters, Hebron, in Nagaland, had said that his organization was ready to welcome the people of the above communities into its fold. "There will be no discrimination against them," Muivah said.

Talking to The Sentinel here today, KSA president Hanuram Ingti said that the question of the merger of the Karbi community with the proposed ‘Nagalim’ did not arise at all. "We ourselves are demanding a separate State under Article 244 (A) of the Constitution," he added. The Nagas have encroached land in Missibailang in Karbi Anglong district despite their assurance now that the welfare of the Karbi people will be taken care of, Ingti said, adding that it is a ploy on the part of the NSCN (I-M) to realize its dream of a greater ‘Nagalim.’

UPDS (pro-talks) joint secretary V Mukrang said that the Karbis of Assam, despite a lot of common traditions, practise a religion different from that of the Karbis of Nagaland. The Karbis of Naga stock add the title ‘Mikir’ to their names, Mukrang informed this reporter. "However, the Karbis in Nagaland are being treated as second-class citizens," the UPDS leader said. "The question of joining the proposed ‘Nagalim’ does not arise as we are engaged in a dialogue with the Centre for a separate homeland," he added. The NSCN (I-M) is trying to gain support for the creation of ‘Nagalim’ through this move, Mukrang said.

Meanwhile, DHD chairman Dilip Nunisa said that the Assam Government would decide whether the ‘Dimaraji’ areas should be included in the greater ‘Nagalim’ or remain in Assam itself. Alleging that there is discrimination against the Dimasa people living in Nagaland, Nunisa said that the Nagas had captured their land near Hebron, the NSCN (I-M) headquarters. Monuments and other relics belonging to the Dimasa community have been desecrated in Nagaland, he added. "We appreciate the NSCN (I-M) gesture but the Nagas should not harm the interests of the Dimasas in Nagaland," Nunisa said.

Nunisa further said that the ULFA, which is also demanding sovereignty, may not appreciate the NSCN (I-M) invitation.