K Naben
Dhansiripar
It would not be wrong to say indigenous tribe in majority in Dimapur during 1963 become minority in Dimapur at present, Kachari now being referred to as migrants in some quarters is hurting. Yes! Kachari is a generic term which comprises of many sub-tribes such as Dimasa, Mech, Sonowal, Tiwa (Lalung) Bodo etc. In Nagaland we have Dimasa, Mech and Sonowal who are collectively identified as single entity and recognized as Kachari. In the state of Assam different Kachari sub-tribes are recognized separately not as Kachari as here. The origin of the term Kachari is not known to the people still, but the fact of the matter is that along with the Kachari tribals the Garos and Karbis (MIkirs) were part and parcel of the greater Dimasa/Kachari Kingdom that existed in the medieval period in Dimapur. The present day Dimasa/Kacharis, Garos and Mikirs (Karbi) are remnants of the kingdom, thanks to the Pioneers of the Nagaland for duly acknowledging by having Kachari leaders Late Debolal Mech and Late Govinda Paira in the interim Nagaland Government which was formed on becoming State. They went on getting elected as MLAs representing Dimapur in the general elections later and served for several years. Dimapur had a unique status not brought under inner line regulation till recently. The declaration of Dimapur as tribal belt happened in 1979 perhaps it is for the betterment towards protection of the tribal people.
About the history of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom and its downfall in Dimapur is nothing new to be told and rewritten, the History of Assam by Edward Gait and references made by some historians shed some light about the kingdom. There exists oral history being told by the tribe and its neighbours. Excavations at the ruins site in Dimapur suggest that the kingdom date back to 3rd Century AD.
The defeat in war with the powerful Ahom king forced the King to retreat to South. The Ahoms just plundered the Dimapur Kingdom and had no plan to rule Dimapur so they left. The Kacharis identified as Dimasa people, subsequently moved their capital to Maibang, Dima Hasao and later to Khaspur in Cachar district of Assam. Not all subjects of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom followed the fleeing king but. The present population of the Kacharis in and around Dimapur and new district of Chümoukedima decreased considerably perhaps due to the feeling of negligence from the part of the Government. The Dimasa Kacharis still hold a big chunk of land inherited from the forefathers. It is by destiny the Kacharis are now part and parcel of the greater Naga society, the people are supposed to be stake holders along with the Nagas equally. Even though the people are not taken as Naga by blood they deserve to be taken along as associated indigenous tribe, we are thankful to the Government for treating us almost equally in the matter of employment opportunities, studies and development till date.
Recent fall out with the Government Cabinet decision and entanglement in the court of law happened unfortunately, it happened not for the hatred of the Naga brothers and sisters but a reflection of inner apprehension and fears of the complete sidelining in the future. Despite the existence of the clear Government guidelines in the matter of employment which runs as any Naga tribe, Kachari, Kuki, Garo and Mikirs provided they are indigenous and had their parents/grandparents names registered in the electoral roll of 1963, some departments started advertising the posts particularising tribes. The NPSC and NSSB are an exception as the autonomous agencies are appreciable in the matter of recruitment for premier posts who advertised as per standing Government guidelines. As we move on with the reality, trust, acknowledgement and acceptance is essential. We know how it is to be a minority, it is a universal truth to feel neglected or sidelined in any circumstances even if they are well look after. It would be in the interest of the parties to accept the reality and move on focussing on the prosperity and development Nagaland. Kuknalim
