Convert threat over draft Members of the Dimasa community have threatened to convert if Dima Hasao is included in "Greater Nagalim".

| | Published 23.01.18, 12:00 AM

The rally in Haflong on Monday. Picture by Samsul Alam

Haflong: Members of the Dimasa community have threatened to convert if Dima Hasao is included in "Greater Nagalim".

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Haflong town on Monday, protesting the alleged RSS draft plan for Naga Accord which includes Assam's Dima Hasao district in Greater Nagalim, as demanded by the NSCN (I-M).

Jagdamba Mall, a known face of the RSS in the Northeast, recently disclosed the draft to the media which has sparked chaos among the people of Dima Hasao.

Protesters chanted slogans like "RSS murdabad", "RSS go back" and "We want justice". They also held placards saying "99.99% Dimasas are Hindus, don't compel us to convert to other religions".

On August 3, 2015, a framework agreement was signed between the outfit and the Centre which is yet to be made public.

The rally was organised by Jadikhe Naisho Hoshom, the apex body of Dimasa community, Dimasa Students' Union, All Dimasa Students Union, Dimasa Mother Association and Dimasa Women Society. It was attended by all political parties, many student organisations and the general public.

The rally started at 11.15am from Lal Field, Haflong and culminated at the deputy commissioner's office.

The protesters submitted memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the deputy commissioner.

They also demanded a clarification from the state and central governments over the draft of RSS, and demanded that Mall should come to Haflong on or before January 24 and apologise to the people of the district or they would go on an indefinite strike and boycott the Republic Day celebrations.

Mall's effigy was also burnt after the rally.