A group of surrendered militant has announced a call for a larger movement, alleging that Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma failed to keep his promise to hold discussions with its leaders.
According to the organisation, following administrative intervention, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) held talks with leaders of the TGRDC and assured them that Minister Bikash Debbarma would “immediately sit for a meeting” with their representatives. Based on this assurance and in the larger public interest, the former guerrillas withdrew an ongoing road blockade.
However, the leaders alleged that despite waiting for a considerable period at the minister’s chamber in the Secretariat, the promised meeting never took place. They claimed that they waited “like a heron at a pilgrimage site” for the minister, while senior officials including the Director of Tribal Welfare, Subashis Dey, were present and attempted to facilitate discussions in a tense atmosphere.
Later, officials reportedly informed them that the minister would not be able to attend the meeting as he had left for other engagements. This development caused deep dissatisfaction among the former guerrilla leaders, who felt humiliated and betrayed.
Although some leaders initially decided to boycott the meeting in protest, they stated that out of respect for the dignity, patience, and humane conduct of the Tribal Welfare Director, they continued to listen to him for more than an hour. Despite this, they claimed the meeting yielded no concrete results.
The organisation acknowledged that in the past, the Tribal Welfare Director had held multiple discussions with former guerrilla leaders at his office and had tried, within his capacity, to resolve their problems. They expressed appreciation for his courteous behaviour and efforts.
The organisation, however, strongly criticised Minister Bikash Debbarma for calling them to an official meeting and then remaining absent. They described the minister’s conduct as undemocratic and deeply disrespectful, stating that such behaviour was beyond their imagination from an elected representative.
In protest against what they termed a “breach of trust,” the former militant organisation announced its decision to launch a larger agitation in the coming days.
Three-Point Charter of Demands
Immediate implementation of the pending ₹23 crore under the BRP Scheme for pre-1998 returnees, out of the total ₹45 crore introduced by the previous Left Front government.
Restoration of the originally approved budget of ₹16,800 per beneficiary for fencing of rubber saplings under the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission. The organisation alleged that the amount has been reduced to ₹6,000, which they claim is insufficient to complete fencing work.
The organisation warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they will intensify their movement in the interest of justice and dignity for former returnees.
