From our Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Aug 12: A 31-member peace and harmony committee was formed today at a public convention held in the premises of Ram Chandra Barman Public Higher Secondary School, Joypur, in the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar, 50 km from here, in order to maintain unity and amity among different communities and tribes inhabiting the cluster of villages and the sub-divisional town. More than 1000 people attended the convention presided over by Pradip Kumar Dey, President of Lakhipur block Congress. It was addressed by Dey and a number of speakers who included Simanta Bhattacharjee, Nabada Barman, Dilip Singh, journalist and a spokesperson of Youth Against Social Evils, Pradip Paul, Hareswar Dhubi, Kalaraja Majumder, Baharul Islam Laskar, Birendra Barman, Biswajit Singh, Khirode Karmakar and Upendra Moira.

All the speakers in identical manner condemned the recent forays by some mischievous elements masquerading as militants to create fear psychosis among the peace loving people of the areas living near the border of Dima Hasao district. These elements, every one pointed out, should be identified and isolated. The district and sub-divisional administration, both civil and police, they urged, should deal with these elements with tough hands.

It is to be recollected that a few people from the areas had deserted their houses and taken shelter in safer places when the gun-totting militants suddenly came down from the jungles and tried to browbeat them. The convention called upon them to come back to their homes without fear. All the speakers asked people to remain vigilant against any rumour floated by mischief-mongers with a view to disturbing peace in the area.

On the transfer of 18 villages of Cachar to Dima Hasao district, the convention resolved not to allow merger of even a single inch of land with the Dimaraji as demanded by some quarters. The State Government, it was pointed out, has not taken any decision on the matter and therefore people should not unnecessarily bother about it. It was made clear that if any militant group tried to create trouble, people should unite to fight against it with the help and cooperation of the administration.

The convention took the decision to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar and the sub-divisional officer (civil) of Lakhipur to arrange for regular army patrolling in the areas for the safety and security of people, living under the shadow of guns. In the meantime, the additional superintendent of police, Jayanta Kumar Chowdhury, visited the area for an on the spot study of the situation. In view of the looming threat, it has been decided on his advice that a police picket will be set up at Doloicherra.