'Let's together build a peaceful, developed Assam', says Assam CM as 644 terrorists from 8 outfits surrender

News Bharati    23-Jan-2020 14:35:03 PM
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Guwahati, January 23: 644 militants from 8 outfits on Thrusday laid down their arms in Guwahati, Assam before Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal saying they want environment of peace in Assam. Among those who surrendered, include 50 terrorists from ULFA (Independence) 8 National Democratic Front of Bodoland, 178 from Adivashi Dragon Fighter.
 
The terrorists have deposited 177 arms, huge ammunition and other explosive materials. Welcoming the militants to the mainstream, Chief Minister Sonowal appealed them to contribute in the nation-building process. He said that laying down of arms would further boost the peace process in the state.
 
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The official surrender was held in the presence of Assam Chief Minister where Sarbanand Sonowal assured that the government will provide all facilities under the government schemes to those who have surrendered. Earlier this month, banned NDFB signed an agreement with the government for suspension of operations.
 
According to the pact, the NDFB under the leadership of its 'president' B Saoraigwra will abjure violence and join in peace talks with the government. The tripartite agreement was signed by representatives of the NDFB and the central and Assam governments, the officials said. Active members of the NDFB including Saoraigwra were brought back from Myanmar on January 11.
Top leaders including Saoraigwra, its 'general secretary', 'commander-in-chief' and 'finance secretary' were part of the group, an official said. The group carried 25 weapons, more than 50 magazines, more than 900 assorted ammunition and communication equipment with them. Saoraigwra's group was active in Myanmar along with other northeast insurgent groups.
 
The demand for a separate state for the Bodos has been in going on in Assam for about five decades with several Bodo overground and militant groups raising it, leading agitations, protests and violence that resulted in many deaths. Agreements were signed in 1993 and 2003 to resolve the vexed issue. A Bodo Territorial Council under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution was created in 2003 to meet political, developmental and identity-related aspirations of the Bodos. However, the demand for Bodoland state continued despite opposition by non-Bodo groups in the state.