GUWAHATI, Feb 7 — The Adivasi Cobra Militant of Assam, a militant group operating in lower Assam, has extended its unilateral ceasefire following a discussion with the Chief Minister, Sri Tarun Gogoi. The militant group which was constituted in 1996 to protect the Adivasi people living in several camps of lower Assam, had announced an unilateral ceasefire on September 15, 2001.
Addressing a joint press conference here today, the self-styled chairman and commander-in-chief (C-in-C) of the militant outfit Xabrias Khalha and Kanhu Murmu respectively said that the State Government had assured all possible steps to provide security to the Adivasi community living in Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts. “According to reports about 2.50 lakh Adivasi people are living in camps and they are facing severe hardships and our main demand is that they (Adivasi) should get proper rights from the government,” the self-styled leaders added. It may be mentioned here that the militant group was constituted in Kokrajhar district following a series of riots in lower Assam.
They also revealed that if the State Government did not take proper action for rehabilitation of the Adivasi people, the Cobra force would review its ceasefire. “Our main demands are — inclusion of Adivasi into the Scheduled Tribe list (under VIth scheduled) and granting ex-gratia for the riot-hit people,” the leaders said.
On creation of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), the Cobra militant force leaders unequivocally said that they would oppose it. “Before creation of BTC, the rights of the Adivasi should be protected”, the self-styled C-in-C added. Asked about the strength of the militant group the leaders informed that it has 400-odd cadres trained outside the State. They, however, denied having any link with the other militant groups in the North Eastern region. “We are getting regular arms and ammunition to carry on our movement and cadres have been given arms training in various hideouts spread in various parts of the State,” they added.