Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) is a militant group that has been active in parts of Assam, specifically the Karbi Anglong district and Dima Hasao district. The group’s origins can be traced back to its parent organization, the United People’s Democratic Solidarity. KLNLF’s armed faction is known as the Karbi Anglong NC Hills People’s Resistance. Recently, the group has disbanded, with all members surrendering to the Assam Government on February 23 of this year. The KLNLF has been known for advocating the rights of the Karbi tribes, seeking self-determination for the tribal community. Furthermore, it has established connections with other separatist groups in the region, including the United Liberation Front of Asom and the Nagaland-based National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).
Origins and Development
The KLNLF emerged from the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), an organization that was initially formed to address the grievances and aspirations of the Karbi people. The UPDS sought to achieve greater autonomy and rights for the Karbi tribe within the Indian Union. Over time, a faction within the UPDS decided to adopt a more militant approach to achieve their goals, leading to the formation of the KLNLF.
Armed Wing and Operations
The armed division of KLNLF, known as Karbi Anglong NC Hills People’s Resistance, carried out various operations aimed at asserting their presence and control in the region. These activities typically included guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushes, and attacks against government forces and infrastructure. The group’s military actions were part of its broader strategy to draw attention to their cause and exert pressure on the government to concede to their demands for self-determination.
Disbandment and Surrender
In a significant development, the KLNLF officially disbanded in February of this year. This decision followed a series of negotiations and talks with the Assam Government, culminating in the surrender of all its members. The disbandment marks the end of the militant group’s operations and its transition towards peaceful resolution of issues concerning the Karbi tribal community.
Objectives and Ideology
The primary objective of the KLNLF was to fight for the rights and self-determination of the Karbi tribespeople. The group advocated for the creation of an autonomous region or state that would allow the Karbis to govern themselves and preserve their cultural identity. This struggle for self-determination was rooted in a history of marginalization and neglect that the Karbi people faced within the broader political and social landscape of Assam and India.
Relationships with Other Militant Groups
The KLNLF maintained close relationships with other separatist groups in the Northeastern region of India. Notably, it had ties with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), an organization that has been involved in an armed struggle for Assamese independence. Additionally, the KLNLF had connections with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), another prominent insurgent group operating in Nagaland that seeks greater autonomy for the Naga people. These alliances were strategic and based on shared objectives of challenging the Indian state’s authority and advocating for the rights of indigenous communities.
The disbandment of the KLNLF and the surrender of its members signify a move towards peace and stability in the regions of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. It also reflects the changing dynamics of insurgency in Northeast India, where dialogue and negotiation are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to armed conflict. The Assam Government’s ability to successfully integrate former militants into mainstream society will likely have a lasting impact on the peace process in the region.
