Book on Dima Hasao released

GUWAHATI, Feb 11: A book throwing light on Assam's economically backward hill district of Dima Hasao, its people, society, insurgency and developmental efforts was launched in the presence of an august gathering here today. Authored by veteran jourlist Wasbir Hussain, the book titled Power Play in Assam Hills: Aspirations, Development & Politics in Dima Hasao was released by Dr Mridul Hazarika, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University. Author and jourlist Aruradha Sarma Pujari and former NC Hills Autonomous District Council CEM Debojeet Thaosen were present as guests of honour at the event that was presided over by senior jourlist Prasanta Rajguru.

Releasing the book, Dr. Hazarika said that the book is a micro-level study of Dima Hasao - a beautiful region inflicted by insurgency violence. "Loaded with facts and findings, Power Play in Assam Hills will help university students, apart from others, for further research in this mostly unexplored area of Dima Hasao," he said.

Published by Guwahati-based publishing house Wordweaves India, the book is a short compendium on the history of this southern Assam district and its people, touching on the reign of the Dimasa kings, the British annexation of the area, the scene just prior to India's Independence and the situation after 1947.

Commenting on the book, Hussain, who has authored or edited around two dozen books so far, said, "The variety of people with rich culture who live in Dima Hasao makes the place an ethnic mosaic. But, what saddens me is the continuing underdevelopment and political instability in the district council. The need of the hour for Dima Hasao is development and peace, and everybody must work towards that."