In a special programme held at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, financial assistance was ceremonially distributed to former BLT cadres residing outside the BTC region, in the presence of BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Jayanta Mallabaruah. Minister Baruah, alongside CEM Hagrama Mohilary, distributed the grants as part of the State Government’s continued efforts to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals returning to the mainstream.
Speaking at the programme, Minister Baruah conveyed gratitude on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the State Government. He thanked the former cadres for choosing the path of rehabilitation and development and for realising that armed struggle could not fulfil their aspirations. “Today we celebrate your homecoming and we hope you begin a self reliant and peaceful life ahead,” he said.
The Minister noted that since 2020 the Government of Assam and the Government of India have signed five historic Memorandum of Settlements, including the NDFB Accord, Karbi Peace Accord, Adivasi Peace Accord, DNLA Agreement and ULFA Peace Agreement, paving the way for lasting peace in the region.
These agreements have brought 9,022 cadres of peace signed groups back into the mainstream, in addition to more than 2,000 members of smaller groups rehabilitated under State schemes. Reflecting on the past, Minister Baruah said Assam had suffered for decades as young people were compelled to take up arms due to neglect and lack of opportunity. “Your return to the mainstream is honourable. For the first time in many years, development is reaching people in a way that earlier Governments could not ensure,” he said.
He recalled how Assam once had to revolt to defend its natural resources. “Forty years ago, Assam protested crude oil being taken out without benefiting the State. Today, under the NDA Government, pipelines are being built to bring oil into Assam to run our refineries. This turnaround reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has brought long awaited correction to decades of imbalance,” he said.Minister Baruah said that armed revolution only prolonged insecurity and delayed growth. “Today, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we finally have a leadership that delivers solutions where earlier Governments left gaps.
Industries are coming, peace prevails and communities feel included in the development journey,” he said. He added that investments which once seemed unimaginable are now becoming reality. “Through Advantage Assam, five lakh crore of investment is coming to the State, with more than one lakh crore already invested. This was never possible in earlier years, when instability overshadowed progress,” he said. Minister Baruah informed that 442 former BLT cadres, residing outside the BTC region were granted financial support of two lakh rupees each to begin a dignified new life today. “We warmly welcome you to this new journey. The State today values peace and empowers those who contribute to development,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to pursue skill development programmes and commended BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary for initiatives that have strengthened peace in the region. “We must move from being consumers to becoming producers. The Government is committed to supporting every step of this transformation,”he said. Concluding his remarks, Minister Baruah said, “Assam today is moving with confidence under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is working tirelessly to place the State among the top five in India.
His decision to extend Scheduled Tribe status to six communities while protecting the rights of existing ST groups reflects a fair and progressive approach. Together, let us build a peaceful and prosperous Assam that earlier generations could only hope for.” The programme was also attended by Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari and Special ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath.
