Northeast ethnic clashes displace thousands
Nearly 50,000 people were displaced in violent ethnic clashes between two communities - the Garos and the Rabhas - along Assam-Meghalaya border. Groups of armed Rabhas and Garos were engaged in virtual war; villages were set on fire, and people fled from their homes.
The violence started during Christmas and New Year celebrations when the Rabhas attacked a wedding party of the Garos and also targeted a Garo pastor. The Garos hit back and set Rabha villages on fire. They also intercepted a passenger bus, segregated the Rabhas and brutally injured ten of them.
The clashes between the two groups continued and spilled over to the neighbouring villages and districts bringing the law and order situation on Assam-Meghalaya border to a standstill.
-
Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced in violent ethnic clashes between two communities - the Garos and the Rabhas - along the Assam-Meghalaya border. Villages were set on fire, and people forced to flee their homes.
The violence started during Christmas and New Year celebrations when the Rabhas attacked a wedding party of the Garos and also targeted a Garo pastor. The Garos hit back and set Rabha villages on fire. They also intercepted a passenger bus, segregated the Rabhas and brutally injured ten of them. Soon, clashes between the two groups spilled over to the neighbouring villages and districts. -
The Northeast is an ethnic cauldron and it is not surprising that inter-ethnic conflicts erupt at the slightest provocation. The latest conflagration led to an overwhelming force of hatred being unleashed on innocent victims who paid a heavy price for being part of one or the other ethnic group.
-
The northeast has for decades been hit by insurgencies and tribal conflicts. Last year, a road blockade by ethnic communities crippled Manipur for months. The crisis badly hit supplies of food, fuel and life-saving drugs to the state.
As attempts at rehabilitation continue, it's the rebuilding of lives that remains a real challenge.
