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

A chilling pattern of mysterious disappearances of several people, including secret killings, and suspected kidnappings has emerged from Assam’s Dima Hasao district, casting a long shadow over the region’s law and order system.

Reports have revealed that since 2016, at least 17 individuals, including daily wage earners, businessmen, and locals, have either gone missing under suspicious circumstances or were later found dead, often with little to no investigation. From abductions and targeted killings to unexplained deaths, most of these cases remain unsolved, fuelling deepening fears of an organized network operating with impunity.

A list issued by the organisations in Dima Hasao names the following people:

2016 - Late Jibon Kemprai of Jongsur Hadi under Diyungmukh Police Station, who was kidnapped and murdered.

2017 - Late Amir Langthasa of Kailimdisa (PS Maibang) went missing, and Late Biben Kemprai from Surat Nagar (PS Haflong) was found dead under unknown circumstances.

2018 - Late Probanto Hakmaosa of Wajao and Late Mitun Dibragede of Maibangkro, both under Maibang PS, being killed in firing incidents.

2020 - Late Sontush Hojai of Harangajao was abducted and murdered.

2021 - An earlier case of Late Phironjit Kemprai from Wayungdisa (PS Haflong), also remains unresolved.

2023 - Late Babujit Hapila of Gunjung (PS Haflong), killed in a firing incident, and Late Durjon Bodo of Purana Maibang (PS Maibang), who went missing the same year.

2024 - Late Slairing Hojai of Gadain Raji (PS Haflong) was allegedly tortured and killed, while Late Ronjit Daulagupu of Boro Lalbong (PS Langting) died under unknown circumstances. That year also saw Late Maijon Thaosen of Koiladisa (PS Diyungmukh) go missing.

2025 - Five deaths under suspicious conditions were recorded: Late Naba Kr. Langthasa of Demalik Raji, Late Panna Roy of Mahadevtila, Late Kartik Das of Lower Haflong, and Late Bhim Bh. Thapa of Kashipur—all under PS Haflong—were reported dead, each listed under “cause unknown.” Meanwhile, Late Rakesh Daulagupu, a meat seller from Jembru (PS Dehangi), was abducted and murdered, according to preliminary information.

Disturbingly, many of these incidents are alleged to be linked to powerful local syndicates, with netizens now demanding urgent intervention from the Assam government and a thorough probe into what they call a “systematic breakdown of law and justice” in the hill district.

Speaking on the mysterious disappearances of several people in the last few years, Samarjit Haflongbar, former MLA and former Congress District President stated that the residents and local businesspersons of the district are living under constant fear of syndicates. He also alleged a syndicate behind the cases.

Haflongbar said, “The law and order situation in Dima Hasao has completely deteriorated. Anyone involved in business here is under constant threat. If they don’t follow the orders of the syndicate, they’re either kidnapped, go missing, and later, their bodies are found. Right now, people in the district are living in fear. There is no security for our lives.”

Citing examples of a few missing persons, he further said, “Recently, a meat seller named Rakesh Daulagupu had been missing for over a week. We’ve heard that a body was recovered a few days ago, which is believed to be his, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. And it’s not just Rakesh, at least 17 people have gone missing between 2016 and 2025. But till now, there have been no serious investigations into these cases.”

Haflongbar further appealed State Chief Minister to begin a probe into the incidents and provide justice to the bereaved family members.

“In most of these incidents, the needle of suspicion points to syndicates allegedly linked to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. Everyone in Dima Hasao knows who the main person behind these syndicates is. As concerned citizens, we appeal to the honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds charge of the Home Department, to look into these incidents seriously and launch a proper investigation. Everyone connected to these crimes must be brought to justice. Otherwise, the people here will never feel safe,” he added.

“Also, during Debolal Gorlosa’s tenure as CEM of DHAC, these syndicates gained power and influence. He must accept that all this happened under his rule. And if he is found to be involved in any of it, then he should also face investigation,” he asserted.

On the other hand, the Jadikhe Naiso Hosom (JNH), Dimasa Mothers Association (DMA), Dimasa Student Union (DSU), All Dimasa Student Union (ADSU), Dima Jalai Hosom (DJH) addressed a joint press meet, demanding a thorough and proper investigation on the killing and kidnappings in Dima Hasao.

The organizations asserted, “The law and order situation in our district is a total failure. Just arresting small drug peddlers isn’t enough. We want all the missing and mysterious death cases since 2016 to be properly investigated. It’s not just about catching the peddlers, we need the actual suppliers and dealers to be caught too.”

“We also need CCTV cameras installed in the town areas. We have records of missing persons from 2016 onwards, but these incidents may have been happening even before that. The government should look into all these cases, even the ones that have been closed. Reopen them and investigate properly. Only then can we believe that law and order still exists in our district,” they added.

As the list of unsolved deaths and disappearances continues to grow, so does the anger and fear among the people of Dima Hasao. The repeated cries for justice from victims’ families, community leaders, and civil society groups have largely gone unheard, leaving the hill district trapped in a cycle of violence, silence, and impunity. With fingers pointing toward an entrenched syndicate network and allegations of political complicity, citizens are now placing their hopes on the Assam government to intervene decisively. 

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