GUWAHATI, May 27 - In a bid to lure away �misguided youths� from the fold of the militant outfits, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has come out with a revised surrender cum rehabilitation scheme for North East with additional incentives. However, to prevent misuse of the scheme, state level screening committees have been formed to examine the credentials of the militants before they become eligible for the benefits under the new scheme.
Special Director General of Assam Police, Special Branch, Pallab Bhattacharyya told The Assam Tribune that as per the provisions of the previous scheme, the surrendered militants and the militants under cease fire agreement used to receive a stipend of Rs 3,000 each per month and they used to get one time grant of Rs 1.50 lakh each after the signing of the memorandum of settlement (MoS) between the Government and the concerned militant group. But as per the new scheme, the militant who come over ground for talks with the Government would get Rs 6,000 each as monthly stipend and an additional incentive if they deposit arms and ammunition depending on the weapon that they deposit. Moreover, an amount of Rs four lakh would be kept in fixed deposit against each militant and they would get the money after the signing of the MoS. However, if any surrendered militant is found to be involved in any criminal activity during the period, he or she would not get the money. Bhattacharyya pointed out that such a clause would definitely prevent surrendered militants from indulging in any unlawful activity when they are under cease-fire agreement.
To prevent bogus surrenders, the new scheme has a provision for screening of the militants who express desire to come over ground and the State Government has already formed a screening committee headed by the Special DGP of the Special Branch. The screening committee also comprises of senior officers from the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force, SSB, Border Security Force, Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau etc.
Bhattacharyya expressed the hope that the new policy announced by the MHA would definitely encourage a good number of misguided youths to return to the mainstream and already a 12 member group of a Kuki militant outfit expressed their desire to come over ground and they deposited six AK series rifles among other weapons. The outfit was active in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts of the State.
The Special DG said that the monthly stipend would be deposited in the bank accounts of individuals, while, at the same time, efforts are on to provide self employment opportunities to the surrendered militants by providing them with skill development training. Citing one such example, he said that one Manoj Basumatary, a former bank officer, has developed modern methods of piggery and a group of surrendered militants are now receiving training under him. At present, there are around 3,500 militants of different outfits are under cease fire agreement in Assam and they would also be eligible for the benefits under the new scheme.
On the issue of withdrawal of cases against the surrendered militants or militants under cease-fire agreement, Bhattacharyya said that the issue is considered at the time of signing of the MoS with the respective groups. Giving details of the scheme, he said that the cases of heinous crimes would not be withdrawn but the Government would consider withdrawal of the cases relating to non heinous crimes. He said that a district level committee comprising the DIG of the range, Superintendent of Police, one Additional Deputy Commissioner and legal experts would review the cases in each district and send report to the Home Department. A high level state level committee again reviews the cases and the cases, which are non heinous in nature, are send to the concerned public prosecutor for starting the procedure for the withdrawal of it through the legal process.