Ethnic Divide in Assam

Assam was always known for the strong bond of unity among all sections of people, but unfortunately, in recent years, the State has witnessed a series of ethnic violence involving people of different communities, which is very unfortunate and all political parties, social organisations etc must join hands to strengthen the traditional bond of unity among the people of Assam. It is a fact that the Government alone cannot strengthen the bond of unity among the people and all right thinking people as well as political parties and non-political organisations must play a positive role in this regard. Of course, the Government has to ensure that Assam does not witness any more ethnic clash and loss of life of innocents by dealing with anyone found to be involved in such clashes with strong hands as it is primarily the responsibility of the Government to ensure protection of life and property of the people, while, at the same time, no political party should try to gain political mileage out of the clashes. However, over the years, it is seen that the failure of the Government to act on time resulted in deterioration of the situation and the recent clashes in the districts of Udalguri and Darrang were prime examples of the failure of the administration to assess the situation on time to take adequate precautionary measures. The districts of Udalguri and Darrang witnessed violence for the first time in the month of August, but the Government failed to assess the situation, which resulted in escalation of the situation again in the first week of October and according to government records alone, at least 55 persons lost their lives, while, more than 1.50 lakh people were displaced.Since 1991, Assam witnessed a series of ethnic riots but unfortunately, successive Governments failed to take strong action against those allegedly involved in instigating people. The Government instituted a judicial probe into the riots in the districts of Nagaon and Dhubri in the early part of 1990s and reportedly, the Commission in its reports, indicted political leaders and Government officials. But successive Governments failed to take action against those indicted on the basis of the reports, which raised doubts on the sincerity of the Government in dealing with such unfortunate incidents of violence. Same was the case in dealing with those involved in the riots in the districts of Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon in 1996 as no action was taken on the basis of the report of the judicial probe. It seems that the Government orders judicial probes just to sweep the issues under the carpet as the reports of the judicial enquiry commissions are gathering dust for years. Government’s failure to deal with ethnic violence also came to the forefront during the riots between Karbi and Dimasa people in Karbi Anglong district as it was apparent that the members of militant outfits United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) were involved in the clashes. But at that time, both the outfits were under cease-fire agreement with the Government and one fails to understand how members of organisations under such agreements are involved in killing of innocents.
Courtesy:Editorial,The Assam Tribune,21-10-2008

Assam:State with many identities

The identity over the real Assamese nationality,of late,has been discussed at length and sprouting up dilemmas in making a succinct and acceptable definition.This issue is a pervasive and deeply implicating issue across Assam.Nevertheless,one cannot denies the the presence of number of ‘identities’ in the state.A relative defintion of Assamese nationality that is inclusive and which contains all required essential elements is the need of the hour in defining an Assamese identity, for all original inhabitants of Assam,notwithstandingly keeping in mind the the presence of various ethnic culture, language and religion where these communities instilled a separate identity of its own if their features are taken into account. This may be the reason why the intellectuals, socio-political scientists and ethno language-cultural scholars and experts are incapable of defining the term “Assamese nationality”,though these personalities are entrenched with the air and water of Assam over the long years.
The features characterized by multiethnicism, multiculturalism and multilinguism have also triggered disparate political, economic and social inequalities in the state which has eventually manifested into upsurge of political and social uprisings among the ethnic groups/communities of Assam.These groups has raised their concerned over their concerned on the protection,preservation and upliftment of their land, language, culture and socio-economy in tune with the rest of the rest developed sections of the society. If one comes to close observation, one can noticed that after the creation of Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD),popular nickname Bodoland in 2003 for the Bodos,the problem of ethnic tensions is adding in its dimensions culminating into various demands and oppositions from various quarters.The Mishing tribals,with their own language and cultural elements considered themselves as a constituent of Tani Nationality which isdifferent from Assamese Nationality and having a separate identity.Though Rabhas,Dimasas and Sonowal Kacharis were once parts of Greater Kachari Nationalty along with the Bodos,today has established themselves as separate nationality.The Dimasas are on the peak demanding a separate ‘Dimaraji’ state within Indian Union.While the Karbis are supportive of the creation of ‘Karbiland’.The other minority tribes like Hmars,Kukis,Biate,Zemis are at the same time apprehensive of ‘Dimaraji’ or ‘Karbiland’ in the respective areas while expressing their concerned of diluting their respective identity,culture,land, language and explicitly domination at large.The Deoris,Sonowal Kacharis and Thengal Kacharis are also dissatisfied with the present granted undemarcated Autonomous Councils and undemocratic manner without election.These analogous cases is seen in Mishing,Rabha and Tiwa tribes,which were granted such Autonomous Councils more than a decade back,but without boundary and election.These tribes have been intensifying their clamour for Sixth Schedule under the Indian Constitution,main in protection of their identity and inhabited land on the model of Bodoland.The demand for Sixth Schedule has evoked inter-groups/communities tensions and clashes in respective areas of these tribes.

The above is the first part of two series articles,the second article will be available soon.