JFCPF for CBI inquiry into tribal killings in Assam

JFCPF for CBI inquiry into tribal killings in Assam
By Jayant

A 24-member joint delegation of Janjati Faith and Culture Protection Forum (JFCPF) which represents over 80 Vanvasi communities of north-eastern states has demanded a CBI inquiry into the genocide of innocent people from Karbi and Dimasa communities in Assam. Demanding adequate compensation to the victims and arrangements for students? study and examinations, the delegation also demanded adequate security arrangements in rural areas.

The delegation that visited New Delhi recently alleged that a ?third force? was behind the carnage and niddle also moved towards the votaries of greater Nagaland. ?We strongly demand a CBI inquiry into the carnage to nab the culprits and to punish the guilty. Throughout the spate of violence in Karbi Anglong and N.C. Hills, the role of a section of media has also not been appreciable. They have unfortunately tried to give a colour of ethnic clash to criminal and heinous acts of terrorist outfits on the instigation of a ?third force?, the delegation said in a statement issued in New Delhi recently.

The delegation met the President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vice President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Union Home Minister Shri Shivraj Patil, former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Shri P.R. Kydiah and Chariman, National Commission for Minorities, Sardar Tarlochan Singh and presented them a memorandum. In the memorandum they said both the communities had been living together very peacefully since time immemorial without any grudge against each other. But sudden spark of violence and killing of innocent villagers, burning of houses and blaming each other though media have shocked the entire Karbis and Dimasa communities. ?The killing of 40 Karbis at one go at Charchin and Precek villages on October 17 by terrorists shook not only the victim community from within but Dimasas and whole of the Northeast region as well. The misunderstanding caused due to the murder of three Dimasa auto-drivers in September resulted into the killing of more than 100 people from both the communities, torching of nearly 1000 houses from 40 villages and have rendered homeless over 52,000 people of 12,000 families who are compelled to live in destitute life in 58 relief camps in Karbi Anglong, N.C. Hills and Nagaon,? the memorandum said.

The delegation alleged that the Government of Assam had miserably failed to book the culprits and curb the violence. ?The State government is so weak and ineffective that terrorists are openly operating in the villages and they are threatening the villagers not to return to their villages. The State Chief Minister, Shri Tarun Gogoi, has announced some relief packages for the victims but nothing tangible has come so far,? the delegation said in the memorandum. The delegation pointed out that the Hindus coordination Relief Distribution Committee, Diphu had distributed 5000 new blankets, 5000 new woolen shawls and 5000 new mosquito nets along with children'swear, etc. Urgent primary health care arrangements have also been made in all the relief camps and the workers of the Forum help them in proper distribution of the relief material.