Assam government initiates efforts to quell militancy in the state

Assam government recently disbursed financial grants to former members of the National Liberation Front of Bodoland

NEW DELHI | Updated: 23 October, 2023 4:44 pm IST

GUWAHATI: In a significant move aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation, the Assam government recently disbursed financial grants to former members of the National Liberation Front of Bodoland (NLFB)x.

The NLFB, among various separatist groups, had been striving to establish a sovereign Bodoland for the Bodo people, igniting a long-standing insurgency in the region. In a momentous turn of events, the dreaded militant group NLFB, led by President B. Bokho, laid down its arms and surrendered in 2021, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to restore stability and security to Assam.

Speaking to The New Indian, B. Bokho expressed his gratitude to Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Pramod Boro, for facilitating their transition into mainstream society.

Bokho reflected on the challenging past, saying, “I want to say that Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BTR CEM Pramod Boro brought us to the mainstream. Earlier, the time was different, and I was in the jungle since 2000.” He passionately called upon the youth to renounce violence and actively contribute to the nation’s development.

The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) has been diligently engaged in rehabilitating surrendered militants and promoting their reintegration into society. Pramod Boro extended a heartfelt invitation to those who remain underground, urging them to embrace peace and collaborate in the nation’s progress.

“Not only me, but all people in BTR are happy due to the initiatives of the Assam CM. Assam should be violence-free and free from illegal weapons practices. We are working with this agenda. We can see a visible change as there is no violence,” affirmed Pramod Boro. He attributed this positive transformation to the historic signing of the Bodo Accord.

Sarma took to social media to acknowledge the milestone, highlighting the comprehensive development of the BTR. He wrote, “BTR is completely peaceful now, thanks to the tremendous trust people have in our Hon’ble PM’s policies. A heartfelt welcome to those who’ve chosen the path of peace over violence. The holistic growth of the Bodo community remains our utmost commitment.”

In 2023, Assam has not recorded any civilian casualties related to insurgency-related incidents. Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP), G. P. Singh, affirmed the unwavering commitment to eradicate illegal weaponry from the region.

He encouraged the youth to actively participate in Assam’s development journey, emphasising that financial assistance, combined with the state’s remarkable progress, serves as a powerful motivator for their reintegration into mainstream society.

“Financial assistance is one part of it, and the fact that Assam is developing so much, it is a driving force for everyone to come out shortly,” added the Assam DGP.