In the perennially troubled Bodoland Territorial Area District of Assam, the need of the hour is to rein in the proliferation of firearms. With lingering unresolved problems like protection to tribal land and a separate statehood demand, and the autonomous council area having a complex population mix, it is difficult to put an end to ethnic and communal tensions. What seems to be of immediate importance is to ensure that sophisticated firearms are not used freely to settle scores.
Unfortunately, the numerous militant groups which are active in the BTAD area, each have their own arsenal. It is suspected that the Bodoland Liberation Tiger Force, when it had surrendered, did not hand over to the government its entire armoury. For groups like the Govinda Basumatary and the Ranjan Daimary factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland which are at different stages of ceasefire arrangements, though designated camps have been set up, cadres in their private capacities are reported to roam around, carrying firearms. The NDFB (Songbijit) faction is still at large with a supply chain of arms apparently extending from Myanmar. Overground political parties and groups use them to further their interests. The minorities, too, have their own armed groups now. The Assam government has taken the correct decision not to distribute licensed firearms as protection to common people. It would have compounded the problem and led to a civil war like situation.
For a lasting solution to the problem, the core issues would, however, have to be addressed. Admittedly, this is easier said than done. The issue of transfer of tribal land to non-tribals seems to be the fundamental problem, persisting since after Independence. This has spawned demands like a separate state for Bodos and an autonomous council with enhanced powers for protection of tribal land. While there are historical reasons for entry of people to the BTAD area and the restoration of status quo ante may lead to an unacceptable human tragedy, there is a need forthwith to arrest a further worsening of the problem by putting a stop to fresh illegal entries from neighbouring Bangladesh.
