was shot dead by a bike born assailant accompanied by his two accomplices in his two storey building at Sabashpur near Silchar Medical College and Hospital in the early morning of July 10. The assailant identified as Blesson Golmei in his 20’s shot on the left side of the forehead of Babul from his American made pistol as well as his brother in law Babuiti Rongmei in his right leg who tried to resist. Babul died on the spot while Babuiti after being rushed to the SMC is recuperating and is out of danger. Blesson Golmei was caught by the mob which had by then assembled hearing the screams and cries of family members. He was lynched to almost death and succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital. The police contingent led by DSP Lekhak Saikia rushed to the tragic spot. From the possession of the assailant were recovered the pistol, a mobile set and some incriminating papers which provided vital clues.  Two others managed to ride back in their Pulsar bike and made their escape good. The bike was later found abandoned near Rongmei village of Binnakandi part 2 in Lakhipur sub division, 35 kms from Sabashpur. Preliminary investigation by police gave the hints that the youths, either professional killers or members of an UGO, were used by a group or persons who had been opposed to his appointment as chairman of Barak Valley Hill Tribes Development Council (BVHTDC) formed in 1996 for the socio-economic development of the 16 tribal communities of this valley. In fact, since its inception, the Council has been at the centre stage of controversy for its style of functioning and utilisation of funds. Babul Rongmei took over the charge of the Council chairman on February 21, 2011, unseating his predecessor Ngursungthang Hmar against whom and some members, he had campaigned for their alleged misuse and misappropriation of funds supported by necessary papers. Pramila Brahma, the then Tribal Welfare Minister, had to intervene and veto out Ngursungthang.

Barak Valley Hill Tribes Development Council and All Assam Tribal Sangha in a joint statement reacting to the statement of NSCN (K) while condemning it sought clarification on how it could operate openly and kill Babul thereby flouting the ceasefire agreement with the Central Government.

The humiliation of Ngursungthang did not end there. He along with some other members were charge -sheeted by police on the basis of FIR lodged by All Assam Tribal Sangha, arrested and jailed. Later on, they were released on bail. On the basis of circumstantial evidences, police hours after the killing of Babul launched operation to hunt down the suspects. Kiran Kumar Barua, SDPO, Lakhipur, who is assisting Silchar police in the investigation, took into custody Alimai Kamei, former Council member, from his Pailapool residence and when the police went searching for Ngusungthang at his Hmarkhawlein house found him absconding.

A close aide of Babul said after assuming charge of Chairman, he had been receiving threat and extortion calls and sought police protection which was not provided. Even as the police was preparing for investigation, NSCN/GPRN(K) Cachar area in charge Gaikhangning, Rajayeyue, claimed responsibility for killing Babul Rongmei. Reasons attributed for his elimination in the statement held him responsible for working against the interest of Zeliangrong and Nagas in general, for distorting their culture and tradition and above all behaving like a ‘dictator’.

Many intriguing questions have Cropped Up. Why should the Pusar bike used by the assailant and his accomplices be abandoned before a Rongmei village, the community to which Babul belonged? Was it a ploy to shift the blame on some others? Or did Babul die for exposing the corruption of Ngursungthang and other members of the Council? The crusade against corruptions was spearheaded by All Assam Tribal Sangha in which Babul played a pivotal role. The investigation agency is also looking at another angle. In 1996 and again in 2009, Babul’s native village Ujan Tarapur, 18 Km from the town of Silchar, was targeted by missionaries under “Mynamar Mission” for proselytisation of around 50 homes of Rongmei Hindu Nagas. But due to stiff resistance put up by the villagers under the leadership of Babul, they could not succeed. The missionaries in course of their second attempt in 2009 set on fire the idol of Kali (Paimadilu) of the village. The missionaries identified as Thuirangdim, Pawhilung and Alun were arrested, charge-sheeted by the police and jailed. Babul was indeed opposed to any move to distort and disgrace the distinct identity and culture of Zeliangrong as vociferously campaigned by the legendary Rani Gaidinlui.

Barak Valley Hill Tribes Development Council and All Assam Tribal Sangha in a joint statement reacting to the statement of NSCN (K) while condemning it sought clarification how it could operate openly and kill Babul, flouting ceasefire agreement with the Centre. Besides, Babul never acted against the interest of any tribe or community. He was popular among all and worked for all. Zeliangrong Union expressed its deep sorrow at the tragic end of Babul and demanded high level probe to bring the culprits to book and mete out exemplary punishment to them. Ngursungthang Hmar in the meantime denied his Involvement in the crime and said he was not present at his residence when Babul was shot dead.

In fact, the death of Babul Rongmei has shocked and rattled the tribal world. Cachar SP Prashant Kumar Bhuiya said, “The investigation is proceeding in right earnest. We are confident of a breakthrough soon.” One hopes the mystery and enigma behind the macabre Incident will come out.

Jyoti Lal Chowdhury