Skip to content Skip to navigation

Road to peace in abode of cloud

The existence of the A’chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) and its breakaway faction ANVC (B) came to a historic end with the disbanding of the two outfits at a solemn function held here to mark the occasion at the Dikki-Bandi Stadium, at Dakopgre. Chairmen of the two outfits, Dilash Marak and Bernard N. Marak surrendered their arms and signed the affirmation for disbandment with

Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma in the presence of Cabinet Ministers Ampareen Lyngdoh, A. L. Hek and Zenith Sangma, Parliamentary Secretaries, high- level officials of the State Government including Chief Secretary P.B.O Warjri, members and cadres of the two groups, church leaders, senior citizens and the public.

Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister expressed his pride and humility as the two outfits had shown exemplary maturity, courage and farsightedness in joining the peace process and finally returning back to the mainstream and said that this has reinforced the essential truth that violence can never be an option for finding solutions to any grievances.

He said that it was the perception that Garo Hills has been neglected by the government that led some of the youth to take the path of militancy in the “mistaken belief that through violence they would be able to set things right. However, it only led to further deterioration in the situation as developmental programmes suffered, he said, adding that the last two decades have been virtually the “lost decades” for us. “The disbanding of ANVC and ANVC-B rekindles the hope that the era of peace and stability will return to Garo Hills and together we will be able to re-plot the path of development and peace”, he said.

The Bishop of Tura, Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak led the gathering in prayer for cadres of the two outfits and spoke briefly on the text “Return Home”, while the Pastor of Hawakhana Baptist Church, Rev. F.D. Sangma.

The Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi, in his welcome address, gave a brief background note about the formation of ANVC and later, ANVC (B) and the subsequent processes that paved the way for the disbanding of the two outfits.

Chairmen of the two outfits, Dilash M. Marak and Bernard M. Marak, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the causes that led to their armed struggle and also their intention to work in the interest of the people in understanding with the government both at the Centre and the State.

The extended ceasefire agreement was signed at Shillong on January 5, 2012. On September 18, 2013, the same commitment was reiterated and both the groups, ANVC and ANVC (B) were requested to submit the list of their cadres to the State Police Special Branch for further processing. Finally, a formal text for settlement was signed by the Union Home Ministry, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the leaders of ANVC and ANVC (B) at New Delhi on September 24, last paving the way for disbandment of the two militant outfits.

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org

Add new comment

Random Stories

SULFA bodies split over meet

25 Apr 2017 - 10:28pm | Shajid Khan
The All Assam Ex-Ulfa Co-ordination Committee Udalguri district committee through a press statement has urged all its members hailing from Udalguri district associated with the organization to...

Gecko snakes seized, 2 held

14 Feb 2014 - 3:45pm | AT News
Tezpur, of late, has become a safe transit route for a section of miscreants to smuggle unique reptiles.Police arrested two youths at Koliabhumura in Tezpur on Friday after being seized two gecko...

30 thousand tree planted near India-Bhutan border

7 Jun 2012 - 4:25am | Jayanta Kumar Das
A massive tree plantation programme was arranged at Nonai in Khalingduar Reserve Forest near India-Bhutan border on June 5 on the occasion of World Environment Day. Nearly 400 people planted almost...

Book release function at Assam Bhawan, Mumbai

5 Mar 2009 - 1:36pm | editor
A book release function was held at Assam Bhawan, Mumbai on 22nd February, 2009 to release Rothindranath Goswami’s latest Assamese book “Mumbai – Sagar Simonat Roi”. The book...

Other Contents by Author

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable agriculture and the preservation of indigenous livestock, Saras Dairy, under the guidance of Joraram Kumawat, Minister of Animal Husbandry, proudly unveils its latest offering: pasteurized camel milk. This initiative, achieved through collaboration with Bahula Food Pvt Ltd and Urmul Seemant Samiti, signifies a pioneering step in the realm of public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting herders and safeguarding the invaluable camel population. Gratitude is extended to all stakeholders, including Mahant Pratap Puri, MLA Pokhran, and Dr. Bhawani Singh Rathore, Animal Husbandry Director, for their indispensable contributions. Recognition is...
Assam Times (.org) ("Assam Times", "we", "us", or "our") respects the privacy of our users ("you", "your"). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect from and about you when you visit our website (the "Website") and how we use that information.   Information We Collect We collect two types of information on this Website: Personal Information: This is information that can be used to identify you as an individual, such as your name, email address, and any other information you choose to share in comments, forums, or other interactive features. We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us. Non-Personal Information: This...
In a landmark move, participants of the International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future, convened in Shillong on February 9th and 10th, 2024, have jointly adopted the "Shillong Declaration." This declaration underscores the critical interlinkages between water resources and hill ecosystems, emphasizing a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in these regions.   The vital role of water as a critical resource and the need for enhanced resilience around water in hilly terrains, as underscored by the declining water table and spring water levels, waning traditional water systems, retreating, and polluting rivers, changing rainfall patterns, increase...
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Today marks the commencement of the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, a transformative forum orchestrated by the Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities. Held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Maru Manthan stands as a beacon for celebrating the indomitable spirit of the desert and fostering sustainable solutions amidst its challenges. The forum draws together an illustrious lineup of organizations and individuals dedicated to desert conservation and community empowerment. Representatives from esteemed entities such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation (...
The 'Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024', a five-day cultural extravaganza showcasing Northeast India's richness, kicks off on January 13 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC, the festival aims to display diverse arts, crafts, and cultures, fostering economic opportunities. With 250 participants including weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event features panel discussions, buyer-seller meets, traditional performances, and a focus on women's roles in regional development. Highlighting the youth's contribution and challenges, the festival aims to explore how they can shape India's economic landscape. Additionally, specialized...
In a bid to empower the youth against the perils of single-use plastics, the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge made significant strides in Assam. The WWF-India, alongside UNEP, orchestrated a pivotal Teachers’ Training Program on December 19th, 2023, at Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Silpukhuri. This initiative, a global endeavor ongoing since 2019, aims to cultivate leadership qualities among the youth to combat the menace of plastic pollution. WWF-India has taken the helm as the knowledge and implementing partner, customizing and executing the program's intricacies across the country. The training session witnessed the active participation of teachers from 37...
December 10, 2023, saw the Indigenous Peoples'  of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, Northeast, joined by the Jatiatabad Punar Nirman Samiti, observe World Human Rights Day in diverse regions of the state. The programme was held at Guwahati Press Club. A discussion titled "Human Rights and Northeast Region" was arranged. Notable speakers, including Pradeep Gogoi, Vice President of the ULFA (Discussion faction), L. Khongsai, President of Assam Kuki Welfare Society, N.G. Sanahaal Singha, President of Assam Manipuri Students' Association, Mrinal Gohain, Thinker, Meishnam Bhagat Singha, Paotinlen Chongloui, human rights activist, Shaheen Ahmed, academic and researcher, Rajkumar Baishya,...
Guwahati: The Indigenous peoples of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, North East India (IPMDCKANEI) came together on Assam Divas (Sukafa Divas) to address critical issues impacting their communities. Held at the Conference Hall, Media Trust', Rup Nagar, Guwahati, the day-long program included a significant round table conference featuring ethnic activists from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. The event commenced with tributes to historical figures, Chao Pha Chao lung Sukafa and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, followed by intense discussions on the challenges confronting indigenous groups in North East India. Representatives from various organizations including the United Bodo Peoples...
Representatives from various indigenous groups and environmental organizations convened in Gangtok, Sikkim, for the North East India Meet on Free Flowing Rivers. The gathering, hosted by the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and the Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, concluded with a significant resolution aimed at safeguarding the region's rivers and biodiversity. "We recognize the intrinsic rights of rivers to flow freely and the vital relationship between indigenous communities and their natural resources," emphasized a spokesperson from the conference. The Teesta Declaration outlined pressing concerns regarding the construction of...
Guwahati: The commencement of preliminary work on the flyover linking the Dighalipukhuri point with the Bamunimaidan area has sparked concerns among the media fraternity in Guwahati. The ongoing development, anticipated to be the longest flyover in Assam stretching over six kilometers and set for completion by 2026, has raised issues for the city's Press Club situated in the Ambari locality. As construction gears up, the Press Club faces a significant reduction in its working space due to the flyover's expansion. This reduction is poised to create parking challenges for members and visitors alike during and after the construction phase, prompting the Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) to...