‘National Mourning Day’ observed in West Karbi Anglong

DIPHU — The 18th National Mourning Day was observed at Charchim/Prisek in West Karbi Anglong, about 90 km away from Diphu headquarters, on October 17.

The event was organised by Charchim-Prisek Mourning Observation Committee to remember those who were killed in a mass massacre that took place on October 17, 2005, allegedly by Dimasa militants at Charchim/Prisek.

On October 17, 2005, a Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) transport bus coming from Jirikending was ambushed at Charchim/Prisek in West Karbi Anglong district allegedly by Dimasa radical groups. In the incident, 41 men, women and children lost their lives. The militants also burned down the KAAC bus.

After the attack on passengers in the bus, the militants entered Charchim village, which is near to the incident site, and torched down the houses. They killed 15 more people in the village.

Participating in the programme, the KAAC chief executive member (CEM), Tuliram Ronghang, accompanied by Karbi traditional king, Longsing Ronghang, lit candles and offered prayers at the commemorative stone. The MP Horensing Bey, other MLA, EM, MAC and victim families also lighted candles and offered prayers for their souls.

Speaking at the programme, Ronghang appealed to all communities of the twin hill districts to maintain peace and tranquility.

“By organising the National Mourning Day, we have not intended to hurt the sentiment of a particular community, but we want to show the sign of brotherhood among us. Keeping this in mind, the organisers have invited all communities to the commemoration,” Ronghang said.

He further stated that by killing each other nobody would gain, but instead take back the development to some fifty or sixty years. He, therefore, appealed to not play politics of hatred in the hills but foster peace and harmony.

Also read: CEM Ronghang inaugurates road, PHC in Karbi Anglong