Guwahati: The Dimasa National Liberation Tiger (DNLT), an insurgent outfit, has reportedly resumed activities in Dima Hasao district, Karbi Anglong district and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, raising fresh security concerns across the state’s hill regions.
Khurang Dimasa, who identified himself as the outfit’s Information and Propaganda Secretary, claimed that the group has resurfaced with renewed objectives. According to him, the reorganisation aims to foster unity among people in the districts and safeguard the rights, identity and long-term interests of the Dimasa community.
The outfit, reportedly formed in 2022, has reiterated its demand for a separate autonomous state comprising Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong under Article 244(A) of the Constitution. Dimasa alleged that assurances regarding the formation of such an autonomous state were given ahead of the previous Assembly elections but remain unfulfilled. He appealed to the public to unite in support of the demand.
“Article 244(A) of the Constitution empowers the Centre to establish an autonomous State within Assam in specified tribal areas. The government had promised to implement the formation of the autonomous state prior to the Assembly elections, but the demand remains unfulfilled. I urge all my brothers and sisters in Dima Hasao and East and West Karbi Anglong to unite and fight collectively against the Central government for the implementation of Article 244(A),” he said.
He further stated that the group is operating from camps located in the forested areas of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong. Dimasa also asserted that the DNLT would not lay down its arms unless its demand for an autonomous state is fulfilled.
The leader additionally called upon the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (IPF) to support the group’s demand for an autonomous state.
Notably, the IPF, a socio-political organisation, has been advocating the bifurcation of Dima Hasao district and the creation of a separate autonomous council for non-Dimasa communities, particularly in areas such as Haflong, Umrangso and Mahur.
Meanwhile, security agencies remain on high alert. On February 16, a gunfight broke out in the Dihakho area under Langting Police Station in Dima Hasao between suspected militants and a police patrol team. Following the exchange, police recovered a live INSAS rifle magazine, ammunition, a torch and a bag from the site.
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The reported revival of the DNLT comes amid heightened surveillance by security forces across Assam’s hill districts, particularly ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
