Batha & others returned to jungle due to dissatisfaction over BTR Accord: Pramila Brahma

KOHIMA: Pramila Rani Brahma, Assam's Social Welfare Minister and Kokrajhar East MLA, today said that the some former National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) cadres have returned to the jungles due to their disillusionment with the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) treaty.

Asked about the reports of M Batha's return to the jungles, Brahma said, "They returned because they realized that they did not receive any benefits under the BTR treaty. It is extremely sad and unfortunate and the government is now responsible for restoring peace in the region."

Brahma expressed "dismay" at the news of the return of militants to the underground and blamed CEM Promod Boro for the current state of affairs. "Hagrama Mohilary had planned to bring the NDFB overground and plans were underway to sign another pact. Pramod Boro, however, signed a pact overriding Hagrama's wishes. The cadres who surrendered have not received any security. How will their lives run?"

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The Minister also claimed that the former militants are being "harassed" by the police administration in the BTR districts, due to which they have begun mulling a return to their former lives. "If they are always tortured, if they are harassed, where will they find the motivation to stay in civil society? Naturally, they are disheartened and have returned to the jungles."

Pramila Rani Brahma also claimed that the BPF party leaders and workers are facing increased scrutiny by the Promod Boro-led administration, which is hindering their election campaigning. "The police administration is not allowing us to function freely and the BPF party's leaders are being subjected to extra scrutiny. This is a threat to democracy."

The 2021 Assam Legislative Assembly election is the 15th quinquennial legislative assembly election scheduled to be held in Assam from March 27 to April 6 in three phases, to elect 126 MLAs to the 15th Assam Legislative Assembly.