Surrendered militants to get land soon

Agartala, Sep 26 (UNI) Tripura government will grant land to the the surrendered militants of the National Liberation Front Nayan Bashi faction (NLFT-NB) as per the Tripartite Peace Accord with the outfit.

State Tribal Welfare Department Commissioner S K Das said last night that 900 hectares of land has already been identified for distribution amoung the surrendered militants.

''About 900 surrendered militants will be given pattas very soon,'' Mr Das said.

He said that the department would send the proposal to the state cabinet seeking approval.

''If the cabinet clears the proposal, the department will be able to distribute land to the surrendered insurgents,'' the Commissioner said adding that the department has already distributed 40 hectares of land to the surrendered militants of the NLFT-Montu Kamini (KM) faction.

When asked about the special tribal package for rehabilitation of the surrendered militants, he informed that the preparation of a detailed progress report was underway.

''Once the report is ready, the Department will send it to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),'' said Mr Das adding that the MHA would release Rs 53 crore to provide the money.

He said the amount would be used in implementing different schemes related to Tribal welfare. ''As on date, the surrendered militants are getting monthly stipend of Rs 2000 besides a fixed deposit of Rs 1.5 lakhs each. They are also given vocational trainings in different centres to develop their entrepreneurship skills,'' Mr Das added.

UNI PD/PB JYN LS GC1516