Government, Bodo faction to sign ceasefire accord

The central government will sign a formal ceasefire agreement with a National Democratic Front of Bodoland faction led by its chairman Ranjan Daimary, Nov 9.

Assam’s additional director general of police (law and order) A.P. Raut said this Wednesday after taking part in a meeting at the Special Branch headquarters of Assam Police at Kahilipara in the city.

The meeting was attended by Daimary and home ministry joint secretary (northeast) Shambhu Singh besides top brass of security agencies like the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal.

“Today (Wednesday) we held a discussion on the various clauses of the Suspension of Operation and other related issues. It was a cordial discussion with all agreeing the formal ceasefire agreement with the Daimary faction of the NDFB will be signed Nov 9,” said Raut.

It may be mentioned Daimary, a prime accused in the serial blasts that rocked four districts of Assam Oct 30, 2008, killing close to 100 civilians and injuring several others, was released on bail in June this year for the peace talks to succeed.

Raut said Daimary already submitted a list of 600 plus cadres who would surrender following the signing of the ceasefire agreement. The outfit also submitted a list of 40 arms that would be deposited with the government following the ceasefire.

“Following the signing of the agreement, everything will be clear – the number of cadres, arms strength, designated camps where the cadres will be put up,” said Raut.

Meanwhile, police sources said the central government has re-worked the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement and made it more stringent, considering cases of ceasefire violations by outfits.

Provisions include surrender of all weapons which would be kept under double lock conditions, the sources said, adding all the cadres would be housed in designated camps equipped with spy cameras and the outfit must agree to stop tax collection and extortion.

-IANS