Assam: Adivasi Rebel Groups Surrendered Weapons in Arm-laying Ceremony in Presence of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI: On July 6, around 1,100 members of eight Adivasi rebel organisations formally surrendered their weapons and ammo in presence of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Since these parties signed a peace pact with the federal and state governments in September of last year, the arms-laying ceremony,was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, represents a significant turning point.

All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), Adivasi Cobra Militant of Assam (ACMA), Adivasi People's Army (APA), Birsa Commando Force (BCF), BCF (BT), Santhal Tiger Force, and All Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANNLA) are among the Adivasi rebel organisations which have taken part in the arms surrender ceremony. Since 2016, these organisations have been in a ceasefire; their decision to put down their weapons shows that they are committed to peace and the democratic process.

Following an oath-taking ceremony for the Adivasi Welfare and Development Council's office holders, the arms-laying ceremony took place. As part of the peace deal, a council has been established to oversee the rapid and focused growth of tea gardens as well as policies for the welfare and relocation of armed cadres and tea garden workers.

In January, Over 46 leaders and members of the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) lay down their weapons in Sonitpur district as per reports. This came four months after they signed a peace agreement with the government.

On September 15, 2022, in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, eight Assamese tribal militant outfits, including the AANLA, signed a peace deal with the government.

The Assam government has offered money to 6,740 cadre members of various militant groups who have renounced violence and assimilated. The State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development (SIPRD) have also provided vocational training in a number of areas, including business and agriculture, to more than 3,000 former militants.

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