[Nyatum Doke]
On 13 June, 2022, Governor BD Mishra had a meeting with the Wancho Council regarding an effective rehabilitation policy for the misguided youths of the district. Arunachal, despite having three districts under the AFSPA, has no rehabilitation policy of its own. Last year, in August, our CM Pema Khandu talked about bringing out a comprehensive surrender policy in Arunachal for those youths who wish to return to the mainstream. In this regard, it is pertinent to discuss what could be the best possible way to reintegrate the misguided youths in the mainstream developmental process.
I had the opportunity to communicate with some of the misguided youths who have joined the mainstream. On enquiry, it is usually found that the reason for their joining banned outfits – though not exclusively so – is mainly livelihood issues. Then one thing is common with all the surrendered ones: after coming to the mainstream, they are not able to get proper livelihood facilities.
In this regard, our governor suggested that the youths should be “exploring entrepreneurship and startup programmes; become self-sufficient through pisciculture, horticulture, loin weaving, handicrafts, and other forms of self-employment, and work hard to be able to create jobs for other youths.” To add, our CM said that “the government will try to aid the surrendered insurgents with flagship programmes through the policy.” But how are we going to chalk out plans for everything that has been said?
First of all, the authorities should do a skill and interest mapping and prepare a comprehensive list whenever any misguided youth comes forward. It will be helpful in preparing an effective planning to ensure a sustainable livelihood for them. Then, scheme like ‘Swavalamban’ of Assam can be initiated in the state to impart entrepreneurship and skill development training to the youths in a phases manner, in collaboration with the ArSRLM, the tourism department, the handicraft & textile department, the industries department, etc.
After successful completion of the training, bank linkage should be established for a sustainable livelihood. We can also think about giving the surrendered militants a special quota under various subsidy schemes in various departments. Going beyond, we can create SHGs of surrendered militants through the NRLM, the NULM, etc, and provide them with necessary training and provide revolving or startup funds under the same.
In addition to this, fast-track courts for the misguided youths who wish to shun the path of violence, and establishment of proper rehabilitation camps with good facilities and counselling service in selected locations should also be considered for effectively reintegrating them in the society. This will encourage the misguided youths to come forward to join the mainstream.
The government can also think about granting of some minimum amount as a shock absorber until they can find some sustainable source of livelihood. The government of India has been implementing a scheme for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants in the Northeast. Under this scheme, those who surrender are paid a monthly stipend not exceeding Rs 3,500 for a period not more than 36 months, and an immediate grant of Rs 1.5 lakh is kept in a bank in the name of each surrenderee as fixed deposit for a period of three years. Implementing this in our state would go a long way and may have positive implications.
Also, successful models like Singapore’s rehabilitation programme that consists of four components – psychological rehabilitation, religious rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, and community involvement and family support – should be looked into and considered.
The concerted efforts of the security agencies and the district administration have been successful in encouraging youths to return to the mainstream. However, the war is still only half won. The government needs to come up with a comprehensive, effective and soft surrender policy and rehabilitation plan for the state to ensure socioeconomic rehabilitation and sustainable livelihood for the misguided youths, so that we can arrest the recidivism and win the war. (The writer is DIPRO, Longding)