On January 30, 1615 National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) militants of four factions surrendered in Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam, reports East Mojo. The surrendered militants include including 836 cadres from factions of NDFB (Progressive), 579 cadres of NDFB-Ranjan Daimary faction (NDFB-RD) and 200 members NDFB-S. A total of 178 arms, 4,803 live ammunition, 14 grenades and one 2-inch mortal were surrendered by the NDFB rebel groups. Assam Tribune further adds that Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that “Today’s development, I am sure, will inspire others to join the mainstream and it proves that the NDFB militants want peace in the State,” Sonowal said, adding, “those who have joined the mainstream today are a potent human resource which can be utilised to make Assam a powerful entity in Southeast Asia. We need to work as Team Assam to achieve our goals.”
Additionally, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Hagrama Mohilary on January 30 sought withdrawal of all cases against members of NDFB factions who laid down their arms, reports The Telegraph on January 31. BTC Chief, who was earlier ‘chief’ of Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) before joining the mainstream in 2003 stated that “It’s important that the government considers the cases registered against these cadres who have decided to join the mainstream. I also want to assure that the authority will take necessary steps but it may take time. Even my cases were withdrawn two years after I became the BTC chief.” Moreover, All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) President Pramod Boro, a signatory of the accord, said: “From today, these men will try to live dignified and normal lives. Therefore, I would like to request the state government to consider the criminal cases registered against them.”
Additionally, amidst fear and speculations looming large among non-Bodo communities residing in BTC, NDFB leader Ranjan Daimary assured that it was a tripartite agreement signed with the government and concerns of BTC residents will be taken into consideration, reports East Mojo on January 30. He stated “There is nothing like Bodo or non-Bodo and it will not harm the non-Bodos in the BTC region, only a few selected leaders are spreading this agenda,”