Stage set for Dec 15 disbanding ceremony
SHILLONG: The stage is all set for the December 15 disbanding ceremony of ANVC and ANVC-B scheduled to be held at Dikki Bamdi stadium in Tura.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will attend the programme as the chief guest.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Praveen Bakshi on Wednesday informed that an elaborative security arrangement has been made at the venue to ensure that ceremony passes off peacefully.
“ANVC has already submitted its list of cadres and arms,” Bakshi said adding that the splinter group is expected to submit its list in the next few days.
The Deputy Commissioner hoped that this positive development will definitely encourage other militant groups to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream.
Bakshi informed that the Government would help the surrendered cadres to open bank accounts.
“The surrendered cadres will be given vocational training to help them start business of their own choice,” he said.
ANVC has 162 combat and 285 civilian cadres, and all of them are expected to be present when the formal disbanding of the outfit takes place. The group will also bring along arms and ammunition to be handed over to the government. However, for the benefit of its cadres, the ANVC will take a new name Chellongma Kotok, which literally means a “group of wasps”.
From a group of armed men to a group of wasps – that will be the narrative to be played out following the disbanding of the outfit. On why a disbanded organisation should be renamed as a “group of wasps”, ANVC publicity secretary Arist Sangma recently said, “We will stay together and we need to protect each other. But if there is any outsider who attacks us, we will retaliate like wasps.”
