HAFLONG, Jan 28 - As the entire nation celebrated Republic Day, the people of Dima Hasao, on the contrary, observed the occasion as black day and hoisted black flags at various places in the district in protest against the �unprovoked� police firing on innocent protesters at Maibang on Thursday.
The protesters demanded an inquiry into the police firing, besides a written statement from the Government of India on the Nagalim issue in regards to satellite council etc, suspension of Dima Hasao DC and the SP and adequate compensation to the injured persons of Rs 5 lakh each.
At various places like Harangajao, Umrangso, Diyungbra, Manderdisa, Langting, Mahur etc., protest rallies and candle light processions were organised, while at Haflong thousands of people gathered at the Town Committee field to pay homage to martyr Mithunjay Dibragede.
Additionally, in other districts like Cachar, Nagaon, Hojai, Karimganj and Karbi Anglong, people offered their condolences in honour of martyrs Mithunjay Dibragede and Prabin Hakmaosa. The people of Dima Hasao irrespective of caste, creed and religion observed a 48-hour bandh from 5 am of January 26 to 5 am of January 28.
It may be mentioned that Mrithunjay Dibragede, who sustained bullet injury on his chest succumbed at Lumding at around 11.28 pm on Thursday while he was being shifted to Guwahati. Similarly, Probin Hakmaosa (27) who received bullet injury on his head, also died at around 7. 30 am on Friday at the GNRC.
Meanwhile, the State Government constituted a high-level enquiry under BB Pyarelal, Addl Chief Secretary in to matter of police firing at Maibang on Thursday during the 12-hour bandh in Dima Hasao wherein two protesters died and eight other critically injured. Ex-Gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the deceased, one lakh to critically injured and Rs 20,000 to the minor injured persons and with free medical treatment would be provided by the Government, the report said.
