Assam MP sees tourism prospects in camps housing surrendered militants

GUWAHATI: For decades, Assam couldn't explore its tourism potential to the fullest as the shadow of militancy always hanged over its head. There was a sense of insecurity in the minds of people willing to pay a visit to the state.

However, things started looking up in the last decade as most militant outfits either laid down arms or entered into talks with the government.

To turn Assam's bane into a boon, Rajya Sabha MP from the state, Biswajit Daimary , has come up with an innovative idea of allowing visitors to spend some time in designated camps of surrendered militants to boost tourism prospects.

"I am only talking about those militant groups which are either under ceasefire agreement with the government or have surrendered,and their members are lodged in designated camps across the state. The prospect of using the designated camps for tourism should be explored," the MP suggested at the launch of a TV commercial for 'Awesome Assam', the state's tourism tagline, on Monday. Tourism minister Chandan Brahma and Assam Tourism Development Corporation chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah were also present.

Talking to TOI, Daimary, who is from Bodoland People's Front, said, "What's the harm if visitors spend some time in designated camps, have tea and take a peek into the lives of militants? Tourism is all about looking for new experiences and thrills. I think my proposal should be explored."

However, Daimary did not elaborate on how to go about it. "This is my suggestion. Let the tourism department explore how it can best utilize the camps for promoting tourism in the state," he added.

There are an estimated 19 designated camps belonging to Ulfa (pro-talks), National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive), National Democratic Front of Boroland (Ranjan Daimary), Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNCHLF) and five outfits belonging to Adivasi community. Ulfa (pro-talks), NDFB (P), NDFB(Ranjan Daimary) and KLNCHLF are under suspension of operations since 2011, 2005, 2013 and 2010 respectively. Five Adivasi outfits have also suspended operations since 2012.