Kokrajhar, Jan. 29: Posters appealing to militants to surrender appeared in villages along the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam two days before the expiry of the deadline to avail of Dispur?s general amnesty offer.
The posters appealed to members the Ulfa, the National Democratic Front of Boroland and the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation to lay down arms and return to the mainstream.
?The army is here to help you. Surrender with your weapons. Get a new life with a cash award and a job. Bring peace to your heart, mind and area. You are most welcome to surrender,? read a poster put up by the army.
The number of NDFB rebels who have surrendered in Kokrajhar district after the crackdown in Bhutan now stands at 130. Four more hardcore activists of the outfit have surrendered before police.
The rebels, who recently surrendered are Manjit Basumatary of Belguri, Jiban Basumatary alias Tipu and Holiram Basumtary alias William of Samthaibari and Ajay Goyari alias Karteng of Morinaguri. The rebels deposited a Chinese-made grenade.
Officer in-charge of Bengtol police outpost, Gautom Kumar Brahma, said, ?Nearly 50 NDFB militants from Bengtol have returned to the mainstream. There are only 15 militants left and we are in touch with them.?
Residents of villages bordering Bhutan in Kokrajhar are rejoicing as more NDFB insurgents are coming forward to lay down arms.
A police officer in Kokrajhar said, ?With NDFB activists, including some top-ranked leaders, laying down arms, willing members of the outfit have gained confidence to come forward before the security forces, the district administration and the Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts administration.?
The official expressed the hope that the villagers would help create a peaceful atmosphere. The people have warmly welcomed the rebels, he added.