Guwahati, 29th June: The Greater Cooch Behar Liberation Organisation (GCLO), an armed rebel group, has resurfaced along the Assam-West Bengal border, issuing a threat to the Government of India through a video message circulated to the media. The group demands the formation of a Union Territory for Cooch Behar and the commencement of peace talks with the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).
In the video, the GCLO warned of its readiness to resort to violence, declaring its willingness to “carry a weapon in hand and give blood” to achieve its objectives. This marks a significant escalation from their stance a year and a half ago when they threatened to take up arms if peace talks were not initiated.
The reactivation of the GCLO, now visibly armed, raises critical concerns about potential unrest in the region. The group’s demands for Union Territory status and peace negotiations with the KLO have not been addressed by the government, prompting their current aggressive stance.
The inclusion of Hindi-speaking youths in the GCLO’s ranks further complicates the situation, indicating a broadening base of support for the separatist cause. The group’s insistence on immediate government action adds urgency to the matter, with the potential for significant disturbance in the affected states.
In February 2023, the GCLO shared a video announcing its formation and armed status, demanding a separate Kamtapur state. The group’s rhetoric aligns with the banned militant KLO, which has long sought a separate Kamtapur state in the tribal belts of Assam and North Bengal. The GCLO reiterated that their struggle for a separate state will continue until the Central government fulfills their demands.
Earlier, on February 17, the KLO renewed its demand for a separate Kamtapur state via a press release, emphasizing that their struggle will persist until their demand is met.
The reemergence of the GCLO and their armed stance presents a challenging situation for the government, requiring careful and immediate attention to prevent potential violence and maintain stability in the region.
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