From Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Nine militants groups based in Assam including four Adivasi outfits are set to lay down arms in the presence of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in Guwahati on January 24 next
Official sources informed that Chidambaram would pay a daylong visit to the State on January 24 ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.
He has agreed to be the chief guest of the function organised by the State Government.
The nine militant groups, which are laying down arms, include four Adivasi militant groups, Adivasi Cobra Militants of Assam, Birsa Commando Force, Santhal Tiger Force, Adivasi People’s Army and Adivasi National Liberation Army.
The rest of the militant groups include Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC), Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and United Kuki Defence Army (UKDA).
Sources informed that the government has offered to recognize some select Adivasi tribes which are already enjoying ST status in other states, as Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Assam.
Besides a rehabilitation package for riot-hit Adivasi population living in refugee camps in Assam since late 1990s.
The Adivasi militant groups have also demanded ex-gratia payment to the riot-hit Adivasi people.
They have submitted an estimate of 2.50 lakh riot-hit Adivasis living in camps.
The riot had occurred in 1996 in western Assam areas involving Bodo tribe and Adivasi people.
The Kuki and Hmar militant outfits who are also laying down arms are not much of a threat, as they do not have significant presence.
However, the peace pacts with Adivasi militant groups will be significant, as these outfits are potent enough to create serious trouble.
There have been apprehension that some of Advasi militants may be lured into by Maoists who are trying to strike roots in Assam.
Adivasi outfits are known to target the National Highways and Railway network in the state.