1182 cadres of eight Adivasi outfits lay down arms in Assam

16-member Adivasi council sworn in; 3% job quota for Adivasis

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As many as eight groups of Adivasi militants laid down 304 arms and 1,460 rounds of ammunition before Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Immediately following the surrender ceremony, the 16-member Adivasi Welfare and Development Council took oath.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "Our efforts to bring all disgruntled elements to the peace process have yielded dividends as eight Adivasi extremist groups came to the mainstream of society today. I appeal to Paresh Baruah of the ULFA yet again. He should also come forward for talks in the interests of all sections of the population in the state. I hope such a day won't be far away. Assam is almost free of militants, barring the ULFA and a few Kuki and Hmar outfits."

The Chief Minister said, "To prevent the Adivasis of the state from losing their identities, the State Government will continue to do all it can. We are going to announce a three percent reservation in government jobs for the Adivasis shortly. We will provide them with reservations for seats in colleges, universities, and Industrial Training Institutes."

The Chief Minister appealed to the surrendered militants not to be misled by some vested interest groups that might try to pull them back to jungle life.

The outfits, 1182 members of which laid down arms today, are the Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam and one of its factions, the All Adivasi National Liberation Army and one of its factions, the Birsa Commando Force and one of its factions, the Adivasi People's Army, and the Santhal Tiger Force.

On the rehabilitation package of the surrendered militants, the Chief Minister said, "We will deposit Rs 4 lakh for a fixed term in the name of each of the surrendered cadres, besides paying each of them Rs 6,000 per month for the next three years. The State Government and the Centre will provide Rs 500 crore each for the Adivasi Welfare and Development Council."

Also Read:   Demand for ST status is not new: All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam

Also Watch: