Return of Former NDFB Militia: Rehabilitation Plans in Motion

Six ex-NDFB militants were released from a Bhutanese jail and are currently with Assam Police, confirmed BTR chief Pramod Boro. Efforts are ongoing to release another cadre imprisoned in Nepal. Rehabilitation plans are underway for these ex-militants, who were handed over by Bhutanese authorities at the international border.

Six former NDFB militants released from a Bhutanese jail were handed over to Indian authorities and are currently in the care of Assam Police, announced Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chief Pramod Boro on Saturday.

BTR chief Pramod Boro confirmed that another ex-NDFB cadre, currently in Nepal, will also be repatriated soon. 'All six ex-NDFB cadres are now under Assam Police's care,' Boro informed during a press briefing. The former militants were received by Indian authorities at the Chirang district international border on Friday evening, with Boro present during the handover by the Royal Bhutan Police.

Having been imprisoned in Bhutan for different periods, the ex-militants will be included in rehabilitation plans upon their return, Boro assured. He also indicated that continuous efforts are being made to free the NDFB cadre in Nepal, mentioning that MLA Lawrence Islary and BTR council member Madhav Chandra Chetry have already visited him. The NDFB was officially dissolved in 2020 following a peace accord with the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)