Guwahati, Oct 08: Five Adivasi extremist groups, along with three factions, officially surrendered their arms in a ceremony held at the International Auditorium, Srimanta Shankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati. The surrender ceremony marked the transition of 1,182 cadres from militancy to mainstream society.
The five Adivasi extremist organizations participating in the disarmament process include the Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam (ACMA), AANLA (All Adivasi National Liberation Army), and Bircha Commando Force (BCF), each with their respective factional groups.
Additionally, the Adivasi Peoples’ Army (APA) and the Santhal Tiger Force (STF) were part of this historic surrender.
During the event, a total of 304 sophisticated arms and 1,460 rounds of ammunition were surrendered. These weapons included AK series rifles, .303 rifles, SLRs, Carbines, G3 Rifles, Insas Rifles, LMGs, pistols, semi-automatic rifles, grenades, IEDs, RDX, and TNT.
The journey to this significant moment began when these Adivasi extremist organizations initially surrendered to the government on January 24, 2012. Subsequently, they signed an agreement for the Suspension of Operation (SoO) on October 4, 2016.
Over the years, multiple rounds of negotiations were conducted between these groups and the government, leading to the signing of the historic Adivasi Accord on September 15, 2022. This accord was signed between these groups, the Governments of India and Assam, and laid the foundation for the eventual disarmament.
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As 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 were officially sworn in on July 6, 2023, in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally distributed fixed deposit certificates worth Rs. 4 lakhs each to the 1,182 individuals who had chosen to lay down their arms and embrace a new path in life.
The surrender ceremony was meticulously organized by the Home Department of the Government of Assam, in collaboration with the Special Branch of Assam Police. The event began with a warm welcome by Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home & Political Department.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, accompanied by senior officials from the Government of Assam and members of the Adivasi Welfare and Development Council.
This historic event represents a significant step towards peace, stability, and development in the region, as former militants choose the path of reconciliation and contribute to the welfare of their communities and the state of Assam.
