Halflong's Ex MLA Seeks CM’s Intervention Over Dima Hasao Secret Killings

Amid a chilling rise in cases of abduction and murder in Assam’s hill district of Dima Hasao, former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council and ex-MLA Samarjit Haflongbar has written to Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, demanding a high-level state inquiry into what he terms as an ongoing spate of “secret killings”.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Haflongbar has drawn attention to what he describes as a disturbing pattern of kidnappings and murders that have allegedly claimed the lives of at least 17 civilians between 2016 and 2025. He alleges that the killings are being carried out with impunity and without any substantial investigation, arrests, or punitive action.

“Within just nine years, Dima Hasao has witnessed 17 cases of kidnapping followed by murder, yet no proper inquiry has been undertaken, nor have the culprits been arrested or punished,” Haflongbar stated in his letter. “The alarming spike, particularly five cases recorded in 2025 alone, reflects a total failure of the district police administration.”

Citing the inability of the district police to break the cycle of violence, Haflongbar warned that the trend is rapidly eroding public confidence and sowing fear among the residents. “The situation is deteriorating fast, threatening peace and progress in the district,” he added, urging the CM to act urgently to prevent a complete collapse of law and order.

The former legislator claims that the killings are not random but are deeply tied to a powerful syndicate allegedly controlling various economic activities in the district, particularly the licensing and transportation of stone, sand, and other forest products, sectors that fall under the administrative purview of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.

“There is growing fear that a single powerful group, operating under syndicate influence, is monopolising essential market goods and forest resources,” the letter alleges. “This has led to a grim state of affairs where sections of the public no longer feel secure.”

Tracing the roots of the crisis, Haflongbar referred to the first such case in January 2016, the kidnapping and murder of Jiban Kemprai from Jongsorhadi village under Diyungbra Police Station. Kemprai was the elder brother of former NCHAC Executive Member Mohendra Kemprai. He further outlined a disturbing chronology of incidents, listing multiple such killings in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024, culminating in a record five cases so far in 2025.

Among the most recent victims this year are Rakesh Daolagupu of Jembru village under Dehangi PS and Bhim Bahadur Thapa of Kashipur, Haflong PS, both cases that remain unsolved, Haflongbar stated.

A record of the killings has reportedly been enclosed with the letter to bolster the call for state-level intervention. Haflongbar has requested that the Chief Minister initiate a time-bound, high-level inquiry into all 17 cases and ensure the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. He emphasised that restoring a sense of safety is vital not only for local residents but also for preserving the image of Dima Hasao as a peaceful and tourist-friendly destination.

“It is imperative that the state government take immediate action to contain this disturbing trend. Otherwise, the district risks descending into lawlessness, undermining all efforts towards peace and development,” the former CEM concluded.

Also Read: A Decade of Murder, Disappearances & Silence in Assam's Dima Hasao