25/02/2013
Splinder Areng, the Nokma (village head) of Daribokgre, was killed on his doorstep February 14th. Splinder was shot in the back by a a member of a local militant group.
In recent years the Garo Hills has had to deal with several armed separatist groups. These groups strive towards a Greater Garoland, a Garo state separate from Meghalaya. As a result of their guerilla tactics, violent clashes with the armed police occur frequently. Daribokgre is located deep inside the Garo jungle, where such violent clashes between militants and army usually take place. As a result, most communities in this area are forced to deal with the demands of both militants and the army on a daily basis.
According to local media, Splinder was killed because the militants claimed he was “a police informant”. Whether he was or not, it doesn’t justify what was done to him and his family.
We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Splinder fairly well over the past 1,5 years. He was a warm, joyful man who always had the best interest of his community at heart.
A former hunter himself, he had developed a keen sense of the importance of nature and has been a pioneer for conservation in the region.
In this interview Splinder explains about permanent terrace farming in his community. Six families of his community recently converted their land into terraces, rendering slash and burn cultivation (Jhumming) unnecessary.
These are the last images we have of Splinder.
It was an honor to have known Splinder and we will cherish the memories of the evenings we spent in his company sharing stories at his house. Our sympathies go out to Splinder’s wife and five children, who we wish well in coping with this great loss.
Splinder Areng, Nokma (village head) of Daribokgre, West Garo Hills, explains about permanent terrace farming. Six families of his community recently converted their land into terraces, rendering slash and burn cultivation (Jhumming) unnecessary. These are the last images we have of Splinder. He…
