Assam: Committee Formed to Restore Peace in Haflong Following Clashes over 'Bandh'

Haflong, February 13, 2020:

The District administration in Dima Hasao, Assam, has formed a "peace committee" at Haflong after violence erupted in Haflong following the "indefinite" bandh called by the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF).

The North Cachar Hills Indigenous People’s Forum had called for a shutdown from 11 February onwards demanding the bifurcation of Dima Hasao district into two districts -- one for Dimasas and another for non-Dimasas. Several clashes broke out during the bandh and the house of IPF leader Samsudinba Zeme, was vandalized by a mob. The office of the Indigenous Students' Forum (ISF), the student wing of the IPF, was also attacked. A house and two shops were also burnt into ash.

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Although the district administration has managed to control the situation, tension still prevails in the district. A meeting was called by Deputy Commissioner at Circuit House Haflong today noon where many leaders of several tribes were present and discussed how to restore peace in the district. It was at last decided to form a committee with two members from all communities.

Meanwhile, the district administration has urged the people not to spread rumous of violence as the Assam town is already in an extremely volatile state.

Bue Bikram Gogoi, talking to Inside Northeast, said, "On 11th some violent incidents were reported. Now, the situation is returning to normal. Rumour mongering is going on. The cyber cell and the state Government's robust cyber policing have been monitoring the situation. We will take legal action action against rumour mongers."

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