Hmar Groups Voice Concern Over Inclusion of 19 Cachar Villages into Dima Hasao

Members of several Hmar organisations have expressed concern over the reported move to include 19 villages of Cachar district into Dima Hasao. Various community leaders stated that, except for the Dimasa community, people from almost all other ethnic groups are concerned about the proposal.

At a press conference held at Muoltluong Diphucherra village in Lakhipur area, representatives of different Hmar organisations said they want to be included in any discussion between the Government of Assam, the Central Government, and the Dimasa People’s Supreme Council.

Speaking to reporters, Silvias Khawzawl, spokesperson of the Hmar People’s Convention (Democracy), said that most of the 19 proposed villages have a Hmar majority population. “Any discussion about including these villages into Dima Hasao will not be complete without the participation of the Hmar community,” he said. The organisations urged the state government to ensure their representation in the ongoing talks.

Leaders present at the press meet included Remson Zoute, General Secretary of HPC(D); CH Mar, General Secretary of Hmar Inpui; Lomsang Bapui, General Secretary of Hmar People’s Union; and Lalmpui Mar from Hmar Students’ Association.

The press meet was organised by the All Hmar Civil Society Organisation, Assam. One of the representatives mentioned that while there are more than 70 Hmar-inhabited villages in Cachar, around 20 to 30 could be affected if the 19 villages are included in Dima Hasao. “We have not received any official notice from the government. We are completely in the dark. Whether we agree to go to Dima Hasao or not will be decided after consulting our people,” the representative added.

The Hmar leaders pointed out that neither of the two groups — one supporting and the other opposing the inclusion — has ever reached out to the Hmar community in Cachar. They said their community feels ignored in a decision that could directly impact them.

Referring to the ongoing talks with the governments, Silvias Khawzawl said that discussions with the Centre and the State have been taking place since 2017 but without any concrete result. He urged the Chief Minister and state officials to intervene and ensure a meaningful dialogue.

The organisations also requested the government to prioritise the development of the Hmar community, which they described as one of the most backward in the region. Through the press, they appealed to the authorities to take note of their concerns and ensure their inclusion in all future discussions related to the issue.