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Section 144 in Assam’s Dima Hasao after tripartite peace accord
Under the signed agreement, a Dimasa Welfare Council will be set up by the Assam government to protect, preserve and promote the social, cultural, and linguistic identity to meet the political, economic and educational aspirations of the Dimasa people and will ensure speedy and focused development
Assam’s Dima Hasao district administration on Thursday imposed Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) apprehending breach of peace – after the Centre, the Assam government and representatives of a Dimasa rebel outfit from the northeastern state signed a tripartite peace accord.
The deal with Dimasa National Liberation Army-Dimasa Peoples’ Supreme Council (DNLA/DPSC) was signed in presence of Union home minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior officials in New Delhi on April 27.
“It’s a matter of happiness that DNLA/DPSC have decided to shun violence. Today 168 cadres of the group have joined the mainstream. This is a big step in prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous northeast,” Shah had said after the signing of the agreement.
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In a prohibitory order issued by the district magistrate, it mentioned the move was necessitated as there was “apprehension of breach of peace and law and order situation” in Dima Hasao and preventive measures were needed to be taken immediately to maintain peace and tranquillity in the area.
The order, which prevents the gathering of five or more people, organising any agitational programmes such as demonstrations and rallies, carrying lethal weapons and spreading rumour on social media, came into effect immediately and will be in place till further orders, district officials said.
“There have been some protests, rallies and demonstrations in the district in past days. Hence, it was felt necessary to impose Section 144 CrPc as a precautionary move,” Mayank Kumar, superintendent of police (SP), Dima Hasao, said.
Under the agreement, a Dimasa Welfare Council will be set up by the Assam government to protect, preserve and promote the social, cultural, and linguistic identity to meet the political, economic and educational aspirations of the Dimasa people and will ensure speedy and focused development.
“This agreement also provides for the appointment of a commission under Paragraph 14 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution to examine the demand for inclusion of additional villages contiguous to North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the council,” said Shah.
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The agreement mentions necessary measures to be taken by the Centre and Assam government to rehabilitate the surrendered armed cadres of DNLA. To this effect, a special development package of Rs.500 crore each will also be provided by the Centre and Assam government over a period of five years, for the all-round development of NCHAC, as well as, Dimasa people residing in other parts of the state.
“This deal will lead to peace among the Dimasa people and in the areas falling under the Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. DNLA cadres have deposited 43 arms prior to this deal and have resolved to return to the mainstream. From now officially there will be no tribal rebel groups left in Assam,” Sarma said at the event.
