Farewell to arms, back to books

TIMES OF INDIA simang Daimary, TNN 12 July 2009, 11:04pm IST

KOKRAJHAR: From the world of blood to the world of books . For those once trigger-happy rebels, who even some time ago, would be engaged in
bloody fare with security forces and rival groups, it's been an intriguing but hugely learning and churning journey.

And somewhere in the bargain, they had lost out on education. Now, these surrendered militants have decided to make up for go back to the world of books.

With a renewed zeal to study, they have enrolled their names for distance learning at the Kokrajhar Science College branch of Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) in the district. The former rebels include those who once belonged to the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), the now-disbanded Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (Multa), the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO), and the Adivasi Cobra Militant Force (ACMF).

"I was lured into militancy way back in 2001. I had just passed my higher secondery exams the year before and rebellion was a full-time job which prevented me from pursuing further studies," said Sudem Brahma, a former NDFB militant, adding with a glint in his eyes, "I have joined the college to begin life anew after surrendering to security forces in 2004."

Philimon Bhaskey, a former ACMF ultra who had also enrolled his name at KKHSOU said, "I did not see any point in continuing with the militancy and therefore surrendered. I feel I am still a student who has unfortunately missed out on a lot in life due to a wrong decision in the past." He also thanked the institute's management for giving him the opportunity to begin his life afresh.

Bigrai Narzary, an ex-BLT militant, said, "BLT has been disbanded after a successful struggle leading to an accord with the Central government and Assam in 2003. Now, after our mission has been accomplished, I have set a new target for myself pursuing education. I'm sure of making it successful here, too."

KKHSOU, with its branch at the Kokrajhar Science College, has played a vital role in helping these men chase their academic dreams. Its distance learning course has opened up new horizons for them. R N Singh, principal of the Kokrajhar Science College, said, "More than 200 students have successfully passed the BPP programme."