Nagaon, Jan. 24: In a move that could widen the ethnic divide in violence-hit Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts of Assam, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) today scrapped a crucial pact with the Kuki National Assembly (KNA).
One of the main clauses of the memorandum of understanding signed between the ASDC and the KNA on December 4, 2000 promises a hill council for the indigenous Kukis residing in Singhasan Hills in Karbi Anglong. The ASDC is spearheading a campaign for an autonomous Karbi state in the district.
Making the announcement about the abrogation of ?all the clauses of the MoU?, ASDC publicity secretary Dharam Sing Teron said the party?s goodwill was hampering the deportation of migrant Kukis who have entered the district with the help of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) militants. ?There is no wisdom left in continuing with the agreement,? he said.
The leaders of the KNA were not available for comments.
Teron alleged that the Kuki settlers in connivance with KRA militants were taking advantage of the ?goodwill of the ASDC towards the indigenous Kukis for democratic and peaceful co-existence?.
?They have undermined the interest and well-being of the Karbis by waging a calculated and unprovoked socio-economic and armed aggression,? he added.
Accusing the KNA and the Kuki Inpi ? the highest body of the tribe ? of having a hand in the ethnic clashes in the two districts, the ASDC said these organisations failed to denounce the activities of the KRA.
Nearly 50 people from both the communities were killed and scores injured in the clashes since October last year, initially sparked by skirmishes between the anti-talks faction of the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the KRA.
In the wake of the clashes, several organisations, including the pro-talks faction of the UPDS, had claimed that the MoU was a major obstacle in flushing out the Kuki militants from the two hill districts.