IMPHAL, April 21 – Welcoming the peace initiative by all community women leaders in NC Hills, the Hmar Students Association, Imphal joint headquarters appealed to both the Government of India and Assam government not to commit the 'mistake' for the second time. The association accused both the authorities for the recent ethnic confilct between Hmars and Dimasas in NC hills district of Assam.
The peace initiative comprised of Hmar, Dimasa, Bengali, Kuki, Zeme-Naga, Hrangkol, Beite and Vaiphei communities and started at Haflong, the district headquarter of North Cachar Hills . Leaders of Dima Halam Daoge (DHD) were also reportedly involved in the peace move. Expressing that Hmars are bonafide citizens of Assam, Joseph R Hmar, the president of the student body in a statement issued here said they have to live together in North-East India for centuries and so the faster we learn to live together harmoniously at the present changing times the better.
Hmar students association on the other hand, condemned the action of the army which conducted a combing operation at two sensitive places in N C hills. It said combing operation was conducted at Muolhoi and at Maibang. This will have an adverse effect when community leaders including the displaced people are trying to find a solution to the problems and rebuild their faith in each other, Joseph told this correspondent. Presently,around 206 Hmar refugees including women and children who reached Imphal recently by road are taking shelter at temporary shelter camps at Rengkai in Churachandpur district in the state.
According to a memorandum to Prime Minister by Hmar Students Association general headquarters (Manipur), so far 34 villages including 18 in NC Hills and 16 in Cachar districts were burned during the recent ethnic conflict. Besides, 56 persons were also reported missing or dead. Over 5000 Hmars were taking shelter at different safe places in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur, it said. A number of manipur based social and voluntary organizations are assisting the Hmar bodies while providing food and other shelter essentials to the displaced Hmars who are taking shelter at the Rengkai temporary camp.