From: Tom Mangattuthazhe Thomas <tmangatt@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Feb 10, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Subject: KNLF decommissioning ceremony: A sign of Peace and Hope
KNLF decommissioning ceremony: A sign of Peace and Hope
A Press Statement by
UCF
The executive meeting of UCF (United Christian Forum) held on 9th February 2010 congratulated KNLF for its bold decision to abandon weapons. This is the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills.
Unequal patterns of power and development, corruption, poverty, hunger, exploitation, and colonialism are some of the burning issues of our people that have caused arms struggle. The solutions to these problems are very much possible within the democratic framework of our country. However, the reallocation of the resources within the country for equality and social justice is a must and it should be propelled by a strong political will. The decision of KNLF is a bold gesture of our people which should be respected by all democratic bodies of our country both at the centre and State.
Conflicts in Karbi Anglong and NC hills both by the State and Non State actors over the past few years have claimed hundreds of lives. Hundreds of displaced people are still struggling to meet their daily necessities of life. The civilian population mostly in the villages were put through tremendous hardships. In this context the de-commissioning ceremony of KNLF on 11th February is a welcome move, a sign of hope and a historic event. The UCF congratulates KNLF members and all those who were involved in the process.
For the sustainability of this historical event reconciliation and improved governance require inclusive dialogue as well as a shift from the focus on anti-terrorism to a collective mission framed around human security, prosperity, development and peace. Such a mission requires bold initiatives beyond the commissioning ceremony and a long-term commitment to the causes and cries of our people. We encourage all people especially those in our government bodies to mount a peace mission and to accord it highest level of political energy and commitment, along with requisite material support on a regular basis to all those who have surrendered weapons.
Tom Mangattuthazhe
(Secretary, UCF)
What is Karbi Anglong………Where is Karbi Anglong……..what ails Karbi Anglong….Read on
The beautiful district of Karbi Anglong is located in Central Assam spanning from 25.33'-26.35'N Latitude to 92.10'-93.50'E Longitude. With its headquarters in Diphu, this district, the largest of Assam, is well connected with other districts and is served by NH-37 and NH-39 as well as North Frontier Railway. Dimapur, 54 km from Diphu, houses the nearest airport.
Primarily an agrarian district, Karbi Anglong is blessed with numerous rivers. Paddy is the main crop that is cultivated in Karbi Anglong. Tea is another important industry in the district which is mainly covered by dense tropical forest (41.12%). The several ethnic groups like the Karbis, Dimasas, Bodos, and Kukis are self-sufficient in domestic economy. Though the district is mineral-rich, industries have not yet been able much to encash its potential. Karbi Anglong has a population of 8, 13,311 (78 per sq. km) with the sex ratio being 922 females/1000 males, as per 2001 census.
This mesmerizing hill district is lush with its bounty of flora and fauna. Nogaon district bifurcate Karbi Anglong giving it a distinctly different topography in each part. The Hamren sub-division in the west dotted with hills and flowing rivulets complement the eastern paddy lands of Diphu with meandering rivers.
Close proximity to Kaziranga National Park has endowed Karbi Anglong with a varied wildlife and there exists enormous scope for adventure tourism. Tourist can go for trekking to Singhason, the highest peak in the district which stands at 1600m. Para-gliding at Khanduli, rafting down the Kopili River are some of the adventure sports that one can take part in while on a holiday in Karbi Anglong.
The unspoilt beauty is a perfect family getaway throughout the year though October through March is the peak season for tourists. Avoiding the sultry months of June till August, the remaining months in Karbi Anglong are always affectionately welcoming.
Cry for Autonomy and Statehood
The Autonomous State movement in Karbi Anglong and North Cachhar Hills districts of Assam has been a unique movement during the last two decades. In the aftermath of the Assam movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, these two districts witnessed a new awakening among the tribal communities. In Karbi Anglong district, the demand for an autonomous state as provided under Article 244A of the Indian Constitution grew into a popular movement under the leadership of ASDC, the Autonomous State Demand Committee. Within a short span of time, the ASDC went on to establish itself as the strongest political force not only in Karbi Anglong but also in the NC Hills. In the latter half of the 1990s ASDC not only controlled both the district councils but it also held all the five Assembly seats as well as the lone Lok Sabha seat from this region.
Following the July 2000 turmoil in the region, the electoral scene underwent a dramatic change. The Congress has staged a comeback in the Assembly and council elections held in 2001.
The Origin of KLNLF
The youngest of the active insurgencies in Assam, the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) came into being on May 16, 2004, following the ceasefire signed with the government by the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), the Karbi Anglong-based insurgent outfit, two years earlier. A faction of the UPDS opposed to the ceasefire split and constituted itself as the KLNLF.
Though its name includes North Cachar Hills, the KLNLF is active principally in Karbi Anglong, which, with the North Cachar Hills district, constitutes the Autonomous District (ST) Lok Sabha constituency. Its stated objective is greater autonomy for the district, not sovereignty or independence.
KLNLF to give up arms on February 11
KNLF a Karbi militant group active in the hill district of Assam ,the Karbi Longri N.C. Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), will be publicly decommissioning its arms on February 11 with nearly 400 of its cadres. The KLNLF has begun the process for arms decommissioning and collecting the arms from their various camps as per the Central guidelines for holding peace talks. At least 400 cadres with assorted arms and ammunition of AK-47, AK-56 and carbines are expected to surrender at the KASA stadium. The KLNLF had started its peace process in January 2009 after it declared unilateral ceasefire.
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Tom Mangattuthazhe
Secretary, Diphu Citizens Peace Forum
Secretary, United Christian Forum
Secretary,Manja Christian Forum
Member,Northeast Peace Team
Mentor, Diphu Peace Team
Rector, Mission Home, Manja
Principal, Little Flower School, Manja
Correspondence
Bishop'sHouse
Diphu - 782460
Ph.03671- 275003
Mobile.09435066461
Emai.tmangatt@gmail.com
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http://profile.to/tommangattuthazhe/
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Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/
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