Governor Urged to Dismiss Dima Hasao CEM Amid Mounting Criminal Allegations

Alleging a total breakdown of democratic functioning in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, two former legislators have submitted a detailed memorandum to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, calling for the immediate removal and investigation of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa. The petition accuses Gorlosa of issuing death threats, facilitating illegal mining, and systematically undermining constitutional governance in the autonomous region.

The memorandum—signed by former Dima Hasao MLA and ex-CEM Samarjit Haflongbar, along with former Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Daniel Langthasa—was submitted at the Raj Bhavan in Guwahati this week. It paints a grim picture of fear, corruption, and lawlessness in the hill district, urging the Governor to intervene in his capacity as the constitutional guardian of the Sixth Schedule.

Audio Recording of Death Threat Submitted to Police

At the centre of the complaint is a chilling allegation: on June 11, 2025, government-registered Class-I PWD (Roads) contractor Ruponjit Langthasa, a resident of Kasmaipur village under Maibang Police Station, was allegedly threatened with death by CEM Debolal Gorlosa over a phone call. The contractor, fearing for his life, recorded the call and subsequently filed an FIR with the Maibang police on July 8, attaching the audio clip as evidence.

In the recording, Gorlosa can reportedly be heard saying:
“Start counting the days in your life. Your parents won’t ever find your body to cry over.”

The contractor has since gone into hiding.

“This is not an isolated incident,” the memorandum states. “Dima Hasao today is paralysed by fear. At least 17 mysterious or uninvestigated civilian deaths have occurred in recent years. The atmosphere is chillingly reminiscent of Assam’s era of secret killings.”

Illegal Mining and Deadly Collapse Cited

The former lawmakers also highlighted Gorlosa’s alleged links to illegal rat-hole coal mining operations in the Umrangso area. On April 3 this year, an illegal mine collapsed, killing multiple labourers trapped underground. The incident attracted widespread national and international coverage, putting a global spotlight on the unregulated, hazardous mining practices taking place in Dima Hasao.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, no accountability has been fixed to date, the memorandum notes. “The incident exposed a politically protected extractive economy that is operating with complete impunity under the current administration.”

Broader Allegations of Unconstitutional Misrule

The petition lists several other serious allegations against CEM Gorlosa, including:

• Criminal intimidation and abuse of power

• Large-scale corruption and misappropriation of council funds

• Unlawful acquisition and sale of government lands

• Patronage of illegal coal mining and transport

• Collapse of administrative transparency and public trust

The former representatives claim that the very spirit of Sixth Schedule autonomy is being subverted under Gorlosa’s leadership, and that the council is being run like a private fiefdom.

Appeal for Immediate Action

Calling the situation a “constitutional emergency” in the making, the signatories urged the Governor to order a high-level, independent inquiry and to remove the CEM from office pending investigation.

“We seek your urgent protection of democratic rights and justice for the people of this neglected but critical region,” the letter concludes.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from Raj Bhavan or the NCHAC. The police have not commented publicly on the FIR filed by Ruponjit Langthasa, nor have they confirmed whether any investigation is underway.

Background

Dima Hasao, one of Assam’s three hill districts under the Sixth Schedule, has long struggled with governance deficits, insurgency legacies, and fragile development. The NCHAC is the principal governing body in the district, empowered with autonomy over multiple departments. However, repeated allegations of corruption, illegal mining, and political coercion have drawn criticism from rights groups and civil society over the years.

With this new petition landing directly on the Governor’s desk, pressure is likely to mount on the state and central authorities to take decisive action.

Also Read: Umrangso Mine Tragedy: Committee Alleges CEM Debolal Gorlosa Linked to Illegal Mining

Also Read: Sixth Schedule Committee Demands Action Against CEM’s Spouse in Mining Tragedy