ADSU submits eight-point memorandum to Assam CM

 Haflong September 22: The All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) submitted a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 22 September in Diphu, placing eight major demands concerning the constitutional identity, land rights, heritage, connectivity and welfare of the Dimasa Kachari community.

Key demands

Single constitutional identity: ADSU sought recognition of all sections of the community under the unified name “Dimasa Kachari”, instead of the different nomenclatures currently used in Assam and Nagaland.

Protection of Dimasa land in Bordolong Lankha Tribal Belt, Hojai: The Union claimed that around 10,840 Dimasa Kacharis live in the area, while about 2,107 non-tribal individuals reportedly hold land rights. It demanded an immediate halt to further land transfers, investigation of questionable transfers and removal of illegal encroachments.

Implementation of DNLA Accord Clause 2.2(A): ADSU demanded inclusion of additional villages contiguous to the NCHAC area and sought a Dimasa Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council for Dimasa people living outside Sixth Schedule areas.

Protection of Khaspur Rajbari: It sought removal of encroachments and preservation and beautification of the historic site.

RCC bridge between Dhansiri, Assam and Dhansiripar, Nagaland: The bridge was proposed to improve connectivity and strengthen social and economic links between Dimasa communities on both sides of the Assam-Nagaland border.

Dhansiri-Dimakro two-lane road: ADSU urged early construction of the road under Clause 13(A) of the DNLA Accord, citing benefits for education, healthcare, markets and regional development.

ILP exemption for Dimasa Kacharis visiting Nagaland: The Union sought government intervention with Nagaland for an appropriate exemption, citing the community's historical, family and cultural ties with Dimapur and the Dhansiri Valley.

Land in Guwahati for a Dimasa Kachari Multipurpose Building: ADSU sought land for a facility that could provide hostel accommodation, community space and facilities for educational, cultural and welfare activities, including celebration of Busu festival.

The memorandum concluded by urging the Chief Minister's personal intervention for early implementation of the demands concerning the community's land, identity, heritage, connectivity and welfare.