Black Widow (underground organization)
Black Widow (BW; also called DHD (J)) is a nationalist organization that wants to establish a federal state "Dimaraji", named after an ancient kingdom, for the members of the Dimasa people who settle in the mountainous regions of Assam .
history
Black Widow was a spin-off from Dima Halam Daoga (DHD). It was formed at the end of 2003 by the violent wing of the DHD, which did not want to support the armistice of the parent organization. It was under the direction of Jewel Garlossa , the former leader of the DHD, who was overthrown on June 24, 2004 by Pranab Nunisa and others. Phaiprang Dimasa acts as the “press spokesman”. The estimated 300 members had around 100 automatic weapons and some bazookas.
In March 2008, Franky Dimasa (“Foreign Minister” shot dead in June 2009) and Daniel Garlossa, two leading cadres were arrested in Guwahati . Jewel Garlossa was arrested in Bangalore on June 4, 2009 , and Niranjan Hojai is believed to be his successor. The arrests were followed by a wave of violence, after which the group was officially banned by the Assam State Government (July 2, 2009). The collaboration with the NDBF and ULFA is said to have become closer lately.
Until the summer of 2009, the group was one of the most active among the numerous violent organizations in northeast India . Like the parent organization, they were active in the Dimasa settlement areas, especially in the almost 5000 km² of the North Cachar Hills district , which is being renamed Dima Hasao . In the methods of financing their activities, Black Widow was distinguished by a high level of criminal energy, preference is given to sending ransom letters.
In the summer of 2007, indications surfaced for the first time that a further faction - led by Action Dimasa, who is said to have shot one of the women of Garlossa - had formed.
By September 15, 2009, 384 cadres who surrendered 122 weapons had surrendered. Peace negotiations were to begin on September 24th after an official surrender ceremony.
Literature and Sources
- Asian Center for Human Rights; Lessons not learned by Assam: ethnic cleansing and internal displacement in Karbi Anglong and NC Hills; New Delhi, India 2005, 40 pp; ISBN 81-88987-12-3 full text (PDF; 263 kB)
- ↑ 380 Dimasa militants in Assam surrender (Times of India, September 17, 2009)