Dispur to prepare modalities in 15 days for rehabilitation of surrendered militants

GUWAHATI: A high-level meeting held at Dispur has taken a slew of decisions for the rehabilitation of surrendered NDFB (National Democratic Front of Boroland) militants and the withdrawal of cases pending against them. The meeting has also formed two high-level committees – one headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home for the withdrawal of cases pending against the surrendered militants and the other headed by the Inspector General of Police, BTAD. The meeting has decided that the government will come out with clear-cut modalities for the rehabilitation of the surrendered militants within 15 days.

In February this year, four NDFB factions signed agreements with the Government of India and joined the mainstream of society. Among others, the agreements have two major clauses – one for the withdrawal of cases pending against the surrendered militants and the other for their rehabilitation. The Friday's meeting specifically discussed these twin clauses.

Talking to the media after the meeting, WPT & BC (Welfare of Plain Tribe and Backward Classes) Minister Chandan Brahma said, "The IG-level committee of the BTAD will make the list of cases pending against the surrendered NDFB cadres and submit it to the Additional Chief Secretary-level committee. On its part, the committee head by the Additional Chief Secretary will appoint public prosecutors and initiate the process for withdrawal of cases against the surrendered cadres. However, the withdrawal of cases largely depends on the court as such withdrawals are based on the nature of crimes.

"For the rehabilitation the leaders of the outfits will submit the list of their cadres and other associates to the government. The surrendered cadres will be trained through the Assam Skill Development Mission and IIE (Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship) for their rehabilitation, based on their respective skill set. The formation of a new forest battalion with these surrendered cadres is also under consideration. The State government will come out with the modalities for rehabilitation within 15 days."

Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said, "The government is very serious for the rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres. The rehabilitation largely depends on the skill set of the cadres. They will be absorbed in phases after imparting them skill training."

MP Biswajit Daimary said, "Today's meeting had a detailed discussion on rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres and withdrawal of cases pending against them."

On the BTC election, the MP said, "Imposition of Governor's Rule after the declaration of poll code of conduct in the BTAD has created a Constitutional crisis. So long the district administration is preoccupied with coronavirus, BTC election isn't likely."

Regarding the BTC poll, the Chief Secretary said, "We've written a letter to the State Election Commission (SEC) to know if the BTC poll can be held under proper social distancing norms. We're waiting for the response from the SEC."

Twenty NDFB leaders, including Dhiren Boro and Sunil Brahma, were also present at the meeting.

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