Barak Valley Hill Tribes Development Council reconstituted

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Feb 17: Barak Valley Hill Tribes Development Council (BVHTDC) has been reconstituted with 20 members by a notification of the Governor of Assam on February 13. The existing chairman Lalthomlien Hmar of Hmarkhawlien has been retained.

The member secretary of the Council as per norms is the Director, Department of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes, Dispur. Hlunsang Dhargawn of Kapakhal has been nomited as vice-chairman.

 BVHTDC which was formed in 1996 has dedicated its services towards the cause of the welfare and development of the tribal communities spread across the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi. As a part of its noble mission, the Council has undertaken on priority basis the delivery of basic needs and requirements of the tribal domited areas under its jurisdiction. In fact, after assuming the responsibility, the first chairman of the Council, Lalthomlian Neitham made a survey and study of the areas, calling for immediate attention and remedial action. After its coming into being, the Council has been in the grip of inner conflict and squabbling and virtually lost track of its declared goal and objectives.

It is to be noted that the Council was formed following the surrender of the rebel group Cachar Hills Tribal Force in 1996. From time to time, it has been at the centre stage of controversies in respect of fincial anomalies and irregularities and also the questioble method of functioning of the successive Chairmen. Instead of working for the interests of the 16 tribal groups of this valley, the Council has never been on the right track. Babul Rongmei, a Chairman, more than 3 years ago, was shot dead by some unknown group for reasons still unknown.