Pacts with 5 Adivasi groups of Assam today

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Five Adivasi militant organizations of the state will sign tripartite agreements with the Centre in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tomorrow. The five rebel groups are Adivasi Cobra Militant Force, Birsa Commando Force, Adivasi People's Army, Adivasi National Liberation Army and Santhal Tiger Force.

The five rebels have been in a ceasefire with the government since 2012. Around 100 of their cadres have been staying in designated camps. The groups requested the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in October 2020 to ensure the signing of tripartite agreements with the Centre. That did not materialize. After coming to power in 2021, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Finally, the stage is set for the signing of tripartite agreements with the five Adivasi rebel groups tomorrow.

"I am sure signing the agreements will usher in a new era of peace and harmony in the state. The rebel groups will sign the final settlement on September 15, 2022, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," the Chief Minister said.

Barring the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-I and the KLO, all other rebel groups active in the state joined the mainstream of society. In January 2022, 246 cadres of the Tiwa Liberation Army and the United Gorkha People's Organizations 246 laid down arms. In August 2022, the Kuki Tribal Union members surrendered. Before this in December 2020, around 4,100 cadres belonging to all NDFB factions gave up arms.

Also Read:  All Adivasi Students Association of Assam stages protest to demand ST status in Bongaigaon

Also Watch: