The Indigenous People’s Forum (IPF) and several apex bodies in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have opposed the use of “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” instead of the constitutionally prescribed “North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council”.
In a press release issued on September 3, the IPF said the council’s constitutional nomenclature could not be changed through a council notification, resolution or administrative order.
The organisation said it had earlier raised the matter with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who, according to the IPF, had stated that the council’s name had not been changed and that the rightful nomenclature remained the N.C. Hills Autonomous Council.
However, the forum expressed concern over an order issued by the council’s Principal Secretary on August 31, 2026, directing all heads of departments to use “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council” as the council’s name.
The IPF questioned the timing and manner of the order and alleged that vested political interests could be attempting to create communal misunderstanding and divisions among indigenous communities for political gains. The allegation has not been independently established.
The forum said the nomenclature issue should not divert attention from what it described as genuine concerns over governance and accountability in the district. It also appealed to indigenous communities to maintain peace, unity and harmony.
The IPF demanded the immediate withdrawal of the August 31 order and restoration of the nomenclature it described as constitutionally prescribed. It gave the authorities 14 days to act, warning that failure to meet the demand would lead to an indefinite bandh, including disruption of railway and highway services.
The controversy comes as the council officially uses the name “Dima Hasao Autonomous Council”. Its official website identifies it as the former North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.
