ont>
Title: Need to check increasing militant activities in Block-I area of Karbi Anglong District in Assam.
(SHILLONG): There exists serious and unprecedented situation prevailing in Block-I area of Karbi Anglong District in Assam, bordering Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. A reign of terror prevailed in the area perpetrated by militant outfits, UPDS and KNV to the extent that since November 11, 2003 more than 4300 Khasi-Pnar Tribe were forced to flee their homeland, taking shelter at Sahaniang Village in Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. A few people were gunned down and many houses were burnt and reduced to ashes. Extortions and threats were made relentlessly and a fear psychosis gripped the people. It is a human tragedy never experienced in the past in this part of the North East Region. The exodus of such a huge population is unprecedented. It is true that the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya have taken steps to restore normalcy. If the situation is not brought to early resolution, it may lead to serious ethnic clashes, which would jeopardise the cordial and traditional relationship between the two communities – the Khasipnar and the Karbis. Since militancy is at the root of displacement of such a huge population and thus responsible for fear and uncertainty, I feel that the Government of India has a responsibility to assist the State Governments to combat militancy effectively.