After two months of relative calm, the movement to bifurcate Assam's Dima Hasao district has surged back to life as indigenous organizations delivered a stern final warning to the state government.
Protesters Return to Streets with Renewed Vigor
On Tuesday, leaders and members of both the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF) and Indigenous Women's Forum (IWF) staged a significant demonstration directly outside the district commissioner's office in Haflong. The protesters revived their 15-year-old demand with the powerful rallying cry: "No bifurcation, no rest."
The two forums are leading the persistent campaign for creating a separate district, asserting that this administrative division is crucial for protecting the interests of nearly 12 to 13 indigenous tribes living in the region and ensuring more effective governance.
Frustration Boils Over Government Inaction
IPF working president S Jeme and general secretary Lima Keivom expressed deep disappointment with what they perceive as government indifference. "We maintained our silence because the government promised to take action. However, absolutely nothing has progressed. Their continued failure to act has compelled us to return to street protests," the leaders explained.
They referenced previous commitments from the Assam government that the bifurcation matter would be addressed quickly and efficiently.
Remembering a large-scale rally conducted in August that successfully highlighted their cause but resulted only in empty "assurances," IPF general secretary Keivom presented a clear and uncompromising ultimatum to authorities.
Final Warning with December Deadline
"This serves as our ultimate warning. If the government does not make a definitive decision regarding bifurcation within November, we will initiate widespread agitation throughout the hills starting from December," Keivom declared emphatically.
The organizations have clearly drawn their line in the sand, setting a firm one-month deadline for the government to respond before launching more intensive protest actions that could disrupt normal life across the hill districts.
