Guwahati 2nd March: The Assam government on March 2 orchestrated a ceremony at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, signifying the ceremonial allocation of financial grants to former members of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and their families. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, Chief Minister of Assam, who presided over the proceedings as the Chief Guest.
This ceremony held special significance as it marked the culmination of efforts towards peacebuilding following the ULFA’s signing of a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with both the Government of India and the Government of Assam on December 29, 2023. Subsequent to the MoS, the ULFA disbanded itself and vacated their designated camps, paving the way for a new era of reconciliation and rehabilitation.
During the ceremony, Himanta Biswa Sharma demonstrated goodwill and support by distributing Fixed Deposit certificates amounting to Rs. 4 lakhs each to 852 former ULFA members under the Surrender Cum Rehabilitation Scheme of the Government of India. Additionally, Rs. 3 lakhs were disbursed to each of the 45 individuals injured in counter-insurgency operations, along with a special package of Rs. 3 lakhs from the Government of Assam. Furthermore, Rs. 5 lakhs each were granted to 8 individuals who experienced oppression, and Rs. 10 lakhs each to the next of kin of 31 missing ULFA members, totaling 936 beneficiaries who received the rehabilitation grant.
This distribution of financial aid is part of the broader effort by the Government of Assam to reintegrate former militants into mainstream society. Over the past two years, a total of 9,583 members from various extremist groups have been rehabilitated under similar schemes initiated by both the Government of India and the Government of Assam. These include members from groups such as the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Karbi groups, Adivasi cadres, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), among others.
The ceremony was organized by the Home Department of the Government of Assam in collaboration with the Special Branch of the Assam Police. Avinash P. Joshi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Home & Political Department, commenced the event with a warm welcome speech.
Read More: Sikkim: 4 held in SDF’s KN Rai assault case, police launch manhunt for 3 more suspects