BTC to Move MHA to Guarantee the Release of 25 NDFB Cadres

Kokrajhar: The BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) has decided to move the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) to ensure the release of 25 NDFB (National Democratic Front of Boroland) rebels who have been languishing in various Bhutan jails.

The issue was raised on Friday by UPPL EM Ranjit Basumatary during the Budget Session on the floor of the Council. Basumatary, who was also the general secretary of the NDFB (S), raised the question as to what initiative would be taken to bring back the 25 NDFB cadres who have been languishing in Bhutan jails for several years.

In his reply, BTC CEM (Chief Executive Member) Pramod Boro said that the matter is a serious one. "Since it's an international issue, we'll have to pursue it with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for bringing back the jailed cadres of the NDFB from Bhutan. I'll approach the Union Home Minister during his visit to Kokrajhar on January 24."

Boro also said that since all factions of the NDFB have joined the mainstream of society after the BTR Accord, the issue of bringing back the jailed NDFB cadres should be taken up by the Government of India with its Bhutan counterpart.

Replying to another query on initiatives for rehabilitation of NDFB cadres and withdrawal of cases pending against them, Boro said that the issue had been discussed with the Government of India. "The Union Ministry of Home has decided to set up four special courts for speedy delivery of justice, general amnesty and withdrawal of cases against the NDFB cadres," he said.

Meanwhile, deputy chief Gobinda Chandra Basumatary said that the

final list of NDFB cadres belonging to different factions was prepared by the IB Branch for their rehabilitation. He said a screening committee would be formed very soon to ascertain the rehabilitation process. He also said that as part of the discussion with the Government of India, each cadre of the NDFB would get Rs 4 lakh from the Government of India and Rs 2 lakh from the State Government which would be deposited directly to their bank accounts. The martyrs' families would be provided Rs. 5 lakh each, he said.

Basumatary said that as per legal procedure, a convicted person would have to complete 7 to 10 years jail term for disposing off the case. For cases against non-heinous crimes, there is no problem, he said. "We're exploring all legal aspects of the convicted NDFB members with legal experts," he said.

Basumatary further said that NDFB cadres and other Bodo youths who faced brutalities during the movement would be engaged in different paramilitary forces, besides other jobs.

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