GUWAHATI: Putting an end to two-and-a-half years of armed struggle for a separate ho0meland, leaders of Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), which has been under unilateral ceasefire with the government, came over the ground to join peace talks with the government.
“In response to HCM Dr. @himantabiswa’s call, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) has come out to join the peace process. I on behalf of the Govt. of Assam welcomed the group led by Shri Edika Diphusa, Chairman, DNLA at Daojingphai village of Karbi Anglong,” state education minister who witnessed the homecoming ceremony. Said in a tweet.
Peace is not illusive when we walk the extra mile
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 24, 2021
Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), an armed outfit of Assam’s hill districts, came out from jungle today .We welcome them to a dialogue and hope for permanent solution and peace @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/oZDoOvNWXh
The DNLA leaders have been moved to Guwahati. Talks with the DNLA by the government including officials of the home department and law and order will be started.
A mass welcoming programme was organised at Dawjingphang community hall in Dhansiri to welcome the leaders of the armed outfit which had unleashed a reign of terror by killing five truckers and burning seven coal-laden trucks in Dima Hasao district in the last month.
The militant leaders who came over the ground were chairman Etika Diphusa alias Musphrang; general secretary Pritamjit Jigdung alias Kalao and additional C-in-C Jutikson Halflongbar alias Amsah.
The militant leaders were welcomed by state education minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu in the presence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) executive member (EM) Pradip Diphusa, special DGP GP Singh, IGP (SB) Hiren Chandra Nath, DIG, Central Range, Satyaraj Hazarika and Karbi Anglong Superintendent of police Pushpraj Singh.
“I on behalf of the Assam government congratulate the DNLA leaders for coming over the ground. This is not the problem of a particular region. It is not only the issue of the Dimasas nor Karbi Anglong of Assam. It is a national issue and it has to be resolved with the Central government. We hope by starting the peace process by the DNLA leaders with the government, there will be a peaceful atmosphere in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao,” Pegu told reporters.
“Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has always been appealing to the insurgent groups to come to the negotiating table. Responding to the call, the DNLA under the leadership of Etika Diphusa has agreed to join the mainstream. The DNLA leaders will start talks with the state and Central government. Their demands will be taken up in the discussion,” Pegu said.
The government only wants peace in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, the minister added.
