Agreed ground rules for suspension of operations between the Security Forces and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT)

The Union Home Minister has made an announcement on suspension of operations by Security Forces against the BLT in both the Houses of the Parliament on March 15, 2000. In pursuance of this decision taken by the Central Government in consultation with the Government of Assam, a tripartite meeting among the representatives of the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the BLT took place at New Delhi on March 28-29, 2000. The official team led by Dr. P.D. Shenoy, Additional Secretary (Home), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India have had talks with the representatives of the BLT led by Chimang Brahma @ Chandan @ Kamal Mushahary, Vice Chairman, BLT to pave the way for lasting peace and to build up a conducive atmosphere for further discussions to peacefully resolve the problems relating to the Bodos.

2. Both sides have agreed to suspension of operations w.e.f. March 15, 2000.
3. The ground rules mutually agreed upon are as follows:

1. The BLT (a) will completely abjure the path of violence; (b) will not engage in violent or unlawful activities like killings, injuries; kidnappings, extortions, intimidation, carrying of arms in public etc.; and (c) agree to abide by the Constitution of India and the laws of the land.
2. The Security Forces (the Army, Para-Military Forces and the State Police) will not launch operations against the BLT.
3. Both sides also agreed to set up a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) comprising the representatives of the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the BLT to oversee the suspension of operations.
4. The composition of JMG is annexed.
5. The suspension of operations is initially agreed upon for a period of 6 months w.e.f. March 15, 2000. The suspension of operations may be extended by mutual agreement thereafter.

The agreed ground rules envisage composition of Joint Monitoring Group (JMG).

The composition of the JMG is as follows:

1. Joint Secretary (NE), MHA – Chairman-cum-Convener.
2. Two representatives of MHA.
3. Representative of the Army to be intimated by AHQ.
4. Representative of CRPF to be intimated by DG (CRPF).
5. Two representatives of the Government of Assam to be intimated by Chief Secretary, Assam.
6. Two representative of the BLT.

The meetings of JMG may be held once in two months in routine or earlier if some emergency arises. Chairman may decide the venue of the meeting.