Army fights pscychological battle with ULFA
The Army has adopted psychological methods to make an appeal to the cadres of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to shun violence and join the mainstream. As a part of this initiative, a large number of parents and family members of ULFA cadres, including those of some senior and important leaders of 28 Battalion, which is the main strike force of the rebel group, have made an emotional appeal to the militants in the three districts of upper Assam through interaction with media.
The latest of such meetings was organized at Sivasagar, where parents of over 30 ULFA cadres gathered to convey their feelings with outburst of emotions in the presence of a number of civil and military officers. A similar meeting was held at Dibrugarh, which led to surrender of seven terrorists at Laipuli (Tinsukia) on October 1. This initiative was replicated at Digboi (Tinsukia district) on October 4.
This psychological initiative of Dah division has begun to pay dividends and the surrender of self styled Lieutenant, Pranjal Saikia on Wednesday is a true testimony to the genuineness and sincerity of the army in bringing about peace in Assam. Saikia, a commander the ULFA's 28th battalion surrendered, at Dinjan, headquarters of the 2nd Mountain Division, Dibrugarh district.
The State Government is working out employment schemes and rehabilitation packages to encourage the cadres to surrender. At the initiative of Lt General BS Jaswal, General Officer commanding the Gajraj corps, the army is also proposing to conduct vocational training for those who have surrendered. Under the umbrella of operation Sadbhavana, the Dah Division, based in Dinjan, has undertaken numerous development projects and self-employment schemes to bring succour to the people in the remote regions of the state.
In tune with the clarion call given by BS Jaswal to the misguided youth to return to the mainstream, the Dah division has again appealed to the ULFA cadres to shun the path of violence and enjoy the fruits of freedom and bliss of living with their families without fear.
The division has announced that it will facilitate their rehabilitation and extend all possible help to them and their families in this regard.
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