The Ministry has already proposed relaxation of norms for inclusion of these insurgents, said a statement issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S).
Quoting sources, the statement said that only those militants who were not involved in heinous crimes such as mass killings would be given amnesty through this arrangement.
“The file is likely to be cleared by CCS in the coming weeks. It has already been cleared by Home Minister Rajnath Singh,”, the statement said while quoting the source.
These surrendered militants, drawn from Manipur and Assam, would be absorbed in two auxiliary battalions of the forces with a strength of 750 each. The stringent selection criteria of the forces would be eased for the militants who have signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the State Governments.
Apart from allowing recruitment up to the age of 35 years, the Government would also relax educational qualification to Class VIII and do away with the written examination, the statement added.
However, the candidates would have to pass the physical test which would require running of 5 km in 24 minutes.
Based on their performance in the force, they could be absorbed in regular paramilitary battalions later, the statement said and added that they would be provided educational facilities and encouraged to pass Class X examination which could make them eligible for absorption in regular battalions.
Quoting another source, the statement said that these men, however, would not be pressed into combat duties initially and would not be given weapons.
They would just train and study, and depending on their performance they would be absorbed later. The training programmes would include various vocational courses that the militants would have the freedom to choose.
They would also get a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,500 apart from ration money and uniforms.
A similar drive in the North East in the early 1970s had been successful, prompting the Government to revive the plan, the statement added.
Source: The Sangai Express
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