BTF militants lay down arms in Asom

Guwahati, Aug 14 (UNI) The Bengali Tiger Force (BTF) today laid down arms after being on an undeclared ceasefire for over three years at a ceremony in the city, in presence of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

Altogether 325 cadres of the outfit, led by its chairman-cum-'c-in-c' Subhash Chandra Sarkar, returned to the mainstream today. The group, founded on December 9, 1996, had been fighting for the protection of Bengali Hindus residing in the state.

It had close links with the now-defunct Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) and had received training under it on some occasions.

The BTF militants surrendered their arms and ammunition during the ceremony, becoming the first outfit to do so in the state.

The cache contained 32 guns, two US carbines, several pistols and grenades and 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

The Chief Minister, welcoming the BTF members to the mainstream, appealed to the ULFA to follow suit.

He said the money spent in anti-insurgency operations could be diverted for developmental activities if the militants chose the path of peace.

Mr Gogoi said, ''The suspension of Army operations against the ULFA proves that the government wants restoration of peace.'' He announced that surrendered militants would receive rehabilitation packages on the pattern of those offered in Kashmir.

BTF 'C-in-C' Sarkar demanded an amount of Rs 5 lakh to each cadre and also the families of those killed. Besides, he also wanted the withdrawal of pending cases against the cadres and engagement of them in armed forces.

Mr Sarkar also appealed for constitution of an All Assam Linguistic Minority Autonomous Council to safeguard the socio-economic and political rights of the Bengali Hindus in the state.

UNI SG BA PB KN1510