Former militants to organise betting game to raise funds

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, April 19: The former members of the breakaway faction of the ANVC the ANVC (B) have warned that the lack of government support is making their cadres vulnerable to being lured by other militant outfits.

"We fear without proper rehabilitation these youths will be lured by other organisations," the former ANVC (B) cadres said.

According to the former militants, the young cadres who want to join the mainstream with high hope are now mostly disappointed.

"There is no support and lack of political will has made these young people lose hope," the former ANVC (B) members said.

According to them, frustration is rising due to series of summons, arrests and harassment which they face at their tive places.

The former militants said that the state must rehabilitate these youths to send a strong message to other organisations.

Meanwhile, the ex–ANVC (B) cadres said that in order to raise funds for themselves and also to involve their members in an activity so that they are not distracted or forced to return to jungle out of frustration they will be organising a betting game locally known as "Bawil–Dawil". According to the former militants though this initiative is pathetic but they have no option. "We are pushed to such extend that we are uble to face our boys to tell them each day that there is no response. We are not extorting nor demanding. We hope this initiative will help us to certain extend through self initiated entertainment," the former ANVC (B) cadres said.