Nine insurgent groups still active in Asom

Guwahati, July 24 (UNI) Altogether nine militant outfits are still active in Asom despite 7,712 ultras have surrendered in past eight years since 1998, Environment and Forest minister Rockybul Hussain informed the state Assembly today.

Replying on behalf of chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Mr Hussain said the government has so far provided employment to 674 surrendered militants in central jobs.

The active insurgent groups include two Muslim outifts and breakaway factions of three other organisations, who have been negotiating with the government, apart from ULFA and two other groups.

He informed that earlier the Central policy was to provide stipend of Rs 2000 per month to every surrendered activist for one year and to provide training during the period for their self-rehabilitation without any margin money.

The policy has been amended in 2005 to provide stipend for three years and Rs 1.5 lakh as margin money to them to start their own ventures, he added.

Mr Hussain said the government was open to all groups to come for negotiation and some organisations have already responded to the appeal. He said ULFA has also constituted a committee to continue the initial talks and the state government was hopeful that a meaningful settlement could be reached with the outfit in near future.

He said the cases against some militants whose organisations have reached ceasefire and with whom settlements have already been reached, have been withdrawn after a cabinet decision.

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