News Reporter
Chief Minister Distributes Financial Aid for Rehabilitation
Guwahati, Assam - October 8, 2023: In a significant and historic event held at the International Auditorium, Srimanta Shankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati, five Adivasi extremist groups, along with three factions, formally surrendered their arms in a ceremonial function. This monumental ceremony marked the surrender of 1,182 cadres, a momentous step towards peace and reconciliation in the region.
The five Adivasi extremist organizations that participated in the disarmament process are the Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam (ACMA), AANLA (All Adivasi National Liberation Army), and Bircha Commando Force (BCF), each accompanied by their respective factional groups. Additionally, the Adivasi Peoples' Army (APA) and the Santhal Tiger Force (STF) were part of this historic event.
During the surrender ceremony, a total of 304 sophisticated arms and 1,460 rounds of ammunition were handed over by these groups. The surrendered weapons included AK series rifles, .303 rifles, SLRs, Carbines, G3 Rifles, Insas Rifles, LMGs, pistols, semi-automatic rifles, grenades, IEDs, RDX, and TNT.
These Adivasi extremist organizations had initially surrendered to the government on January 24, 2012, and later entered into an agreement for the Suspension of Operation (SoO) on October 4, 2016. Over the years, numerous rounds of talks were conducted between these groups and the government, leading to the signing of the historic Adivasi Accord on September 15, 2022. This accord was a landmark agreement involving these groups and the Governments of India and Assam.
As a part of the Adivasi Accord's provisions, the Government of Assam established a 16-member Adivasi Welfare and Development Council on May 22, 2023. The council members took their oaths on July 6, 2023, in a ceremony graced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
During the event, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally distributed fixed deposit certificates worth Rs. 4 lakhs each to the 1,182 individuals who had laid down their arms. This gesture symbolized the government's commitment to the welfare and rehabilitation of the former cadres.
The surrender ceremony was meticulously organized by the Home Department of the Government of Assam in collaboration with the Special Branch of Assam Police. Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home & Political Department, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, accompanied by senior government officials and members of the Adivasi Welfare and Development Council, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
This historic event signifies a new era of peace and progress in the region, and it is hoped that the former cadres' reintegration into society will contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Assam.