On the threshold of peace

For the battle-weary Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) cadre ensconced in their designated camps, the ?cause? is nearing culmination and the countdown has begun for a new ?happier, freer life?.





Ever since the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement were formulated in 2000, Bodo Liberation Tigers cadre ? numbering more than 3,000 ? have remained confined to their respective camps waiting for orders from the leadership.





?We are optimistic that this round of talks will be fruitful and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) will materialise in the Bodo heartland,? 28-year-old Lwaba Islary of Bamangaon in Dhubri district, a BLT cadre, told The Telegraph.





Except cadre like Raja Boro (26) of Darrang who is a ?wee bit apprehensive about whether my life will be safe in my native village?, most are eager to ?return to the mainstream and lead a normal life?.





?I would definitely like to return to my village, but I am not sure. I will seek my senior?s advice?, said Boro.





Rajan Basumatary of Bastimari in Dhubri district echoed Boro?s thoughts about the future, but he preferred to put them on a backburner ?at least for a while.





?We should prepare ourselves for the celebration of the BTC. Everything else is secondary,? said Basumatary, a Sunil Shetty and Kareena Kapoor movie freak, who often glues himself to the TV at his camp.





Life in BLT camps begins at 5 am. Breakfast comprises hot rice and curry. There are no provisions for beverages like tea. Someone really keen on a cup of tea has to trudge to the nearby marketplace. Lunch is served at 11 am and supper by 7 pm. Any normal day ends at 8 pm when everybody goes to sleep.





The cadres play carom, chess and volleyball to keep fit. Besides, they watch television, potter in the camps? kitchen or occupy themselves ?according to their interests, likes and dislikes, like one big family?.





Among those wishing to return to their family and lead a normal life is Islary, who dropped out of school after Class IX to join the outfit in 1996. ?After the formation of the BTC, I want to start my life afresh by starting a small business and help my parents and my younger brothers and sisters in their studies.?





He added: ?All these years we fought for a cause. We hope the Government of India and the state government keep their commitment of honouring the sentiments of the Bodo people?.





Gugahang Brahma, the youngest in a camp in the Bashbari area in Dhubri district, was only 18 when he joined the outfit in 1999 against the wishes of his family.





?Since I am the youngest in the family, my parents and four siblings wanted me to continue with my studies. But I was determined to join the BLT and help fight for a cause,? he said. He now hopes to continue with his studies ?when the BTC happens?.





Those past the age of studies, like Khodira Brahma of Ramfalbil in Kokrajhar district, are looking forward to ?a normal family life, but not before settling down well in life,? he added with a shy smile.





Caught between hope and apprehension, the cadre are eagerly waiting for their dreams to materialise.