The North Cachar Hills, like the Karbi Anglong district, is a hotbed of militancy with at least seven groups active in the region. That’s why Haflong Hindi is an advantage here. “Unlike in Karbi Anglong where Hindi-speaking people are targets for militants, here Hindi binds different tribes together,” says Brig P R Shankar, in-charge of counter-insurgency operations in the two hill districts.

“If you are new to this place, it will take you two to three days to pick up the meanings,” says Dharampal Gupta, whose grandfather Kaluram Gupta came here in 1890 from Sialkot (now in Pakistan) to work in a railway project.

Deputy Director, Social Welfare, R H Khan said: “Humlog sabka develop karega. Buddha logonka develop karega. Pregnant maiki develop karega. Jawan ladki develop karega,” speaking of the various schemes by his department on Thursday. And the message was clear to all tribes.