Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday provided Rs 4 lakh fixed term deposit certificates each to 1,279 surrendered NDFB militants at a function in GMCH auditorium in Guwahati.
The financial aid will be provided to a total of 1,615 members of all four NDFB surrendered factions.
The rest of the surrendered NDFB members would be provided with the financial aid after completion of the necessary processes.
Addressing the surrendered militants at the programme organised by the state home department and Assam Police, chief minister Sonowal urged the surrendered members of the militant organisation to make a fresh start in life.
He assured that the central and state governments, BTC administration and the people would always extend their support in this endeavour.
The chief minister also called on them to utilise the financial assistance judiciously.
He said the fixed term deposit certificates provided on Tuesday would enable them to take bank loans for agriculture, livestock farming and setting up small industries apart from taking advantage of various government schemes.
Sonowal assured of giving necessary directions to banks from administration for the purpose while providing skill development training to Tuesday’s financial assistance recipients.
Hailing the Bodos for their work culture and bravery, Sonowal called on the youths of the tribe to work for the society with their abilities and talents and strive for strengthening peace and harmony among all sections.
He also remarked that historic BTR Accord generated a lot of hope among the people of Assam.
Sonowal thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for bringing the accord to fruition while reiterating state government’s commitment towards timely implementation of the accord.
The CM said the state government has given written submission in Gauhati High Court for reducing the pending cases against the surrendered militants according to laws so that they can live a life of dignity.
The CM informed that the state government has taken a decision to bring the militants and their family members under Atal Amrit Abhiyan for providing medical treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, BTC CEM Pramod Boro thanked the central and state governments for showing respect towards the struggle of the Bodos for safeguarding their identity and ending uncertainties prevalent in the Bodo areas through the accord.
He also informed that BTC authorities have constituted a three-member committee for overseeing the rehabilitation of surrendered NDFB militants and employed five advocates for speedy resolution of pending cases against the militants.
Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta urged the surrendered NDFB members to utilise the funds provided to them judiciously.
In Tuesday’s programme, the chief minister also gave farewell to GOC of 4 Corps of Indian Army Lt. Gen Shantanu Dayal.
