Ex-Bodo rebels allege truce violation by NDFB

Guwahati, Jul 14 (UNI) Hundreds of surrendered Bodo militants today expressed concern over the alleged ceasefire violation by the NDFB and non-fulfilment of clauses of the Bodo Accord.

The Ex-BLT (Bodoland Liberation Tigers) Welfare Society and All Surrendered NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland) Welfare Association members participated in a dharna near the state Assembly as a brief session of the House got underway.

They also submitted a memorandum to the Assam Chief Minister.

Pointing to the grave situation in Bodo areas allegedly arising due to ceasefire ground rules violation by the NDFB, the former rebels said the common man as well as surrendered militants were being targeted by the NDFB.

They cited the instances of attack on Ex-BLT Welfare Society office yesterday in Karbi Anglong and a grenade attack at the Bodoland People's Front office in Kokrajhar in March.

They also alleged that the NDFB's cadre strength has risen to 2,000 from 250 at the time of announcement of ceasefire and the outfit was procuring sophisticated arms, employing threats and truce immunity for recruitment and extortion.

Among the demands made by the former BLT and NDFB militants, they asked for proper rehabilitation of all surrendered rebels and continuation of stipends.

They also wanted withdrawal of old cases, as was decided in the Bodo Accord and ex-gratia payment of Rs five lakh each to the families of victims of the ongoing NDFB violence.

The surrendered militants also demanded inclusion of Bodo-Kacharis of Karbi Anglong district in Scheduled Tribe (Hills) category and delimitation and holding of elections in various autonomous councils.

UNI SG PL AE KN1920