21st Remembrance Day Observed in Charsim-Prisek to Honor Victims of 2005 West Karbi Anglong Tragedy

By Jayram Kathar,

Charsim-Prisek (West Karbi Anglong) Oct 18 — The 21st Remembrance Day (Black Day) was solemnly observed today at Sarsim-Prisek, near Jirikinding in West Karbi Anglong district, honoring the victims of the horrific violence that shook the region on October 17, 2005.
On this tragic day 21 years ago, armed Dimasa militants ambushed two Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) buses early in the morning, setting them ablaze and launching a brutal attack during the height of the Karbi-Dimasa ethnic clashes. The incident claimed the lives of 41 innocent Karbi individuals.
As in previous years, October 17 was observed as “Black Day” across the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong to mourn the lives lost.
A central remembrance ceremony was held at Charsim, attended by key leaders including:
Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
Amar Sing Tisso, Member of Parliament (MP)
Dr. Numal Momin, Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly (Note: standard designated office)
Representatives from various regional community and student organizations.
Dignitaries and public members paid floral tributes and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
Demand for CBI Probe and Justice
Despite 21 years passing since the massacre, police authorities have yet to apprehend or successfully identify the perpetrators responsible for the slaughter.
Addressing the gathering, KAAC Chief Dr. Tuliram Ronghang emphasized the importance of brotherhood, unity, and peace, urging communities to rise above the dark history of ethnic violence. However, he reaffirmed the unwavering stance on justice, demanding a formal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2005 Charsim-Prisek incident.
“The victimized families have been waiting for over two decades with the hope of receiving justice. We demand a thorough investigation by the CBI so that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice and given the strictest possible punishment,” Dr. Ronghang told reporters.