Members of Rengma tribe demanding the creation of Naga Rengma Hills Autonomous Council (NRHAC) in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) have formed an organization–Council of Naga Rengma Hills (CNRH) with an armed wing called Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force (NRHPF).
In a statement, CNRH/NRHPF chairman Keyhang Rengma said the organization was launched to claim the tribe’s “legitimate right” though the creation of NRHAC in Assam and it was not directed against any community, tribe or religion.
CNRH/NRHPF has also demarcated its area of operation within the traditional geographical boundary of the Rengma Hills as declared by the British on April 18, 1841.
The organization claimed the Rengmas were settled in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) region even before the first Burmese invasion of Ahom in 1816 and informed that the “first revenue settlement” in the region was made on February 18, 1848.
Citing numerous grievances of the Rengma tribe, CNRH/NRHPF said Rengmas were facing “socio-economic and cultural stagnation” besides the denial of political rights.
CNRH has also alleged that Assam government and KAAC got the approval of central government for the creation of a Tiger project with Rengma territory without the consent of the people.
The organization argued that the project was likely to displace Rengma settlers from the region and blamed the authorities for implementing a “pre-meditated plan.”
CNRH contended that numerous other grievances of the Rengmas have not been addressed by both the government of Assam and the KAAC despite several representations.
Hence, the organization has vowed to achieve its objectives to restore “past glory” and attain a separate “homeland.”