Imphal, September 27: At a time when militants have stepped up attacks on security forces in Manipur, 114 militants belonging to different groups laid down arms before chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh at the headquarters of Inspector General Assam Rifles ( South) at Mantripukhri here on Wednesday.
The rebels were from UNLF, PLA, KCP, KYKL, Prepak, KNLF, UPPK, UNPC and PULF.
Addressing the biggest "homecoming" ceremony of the year, Ibobi Singh said Wednesday's event reflects the mindset of the youth. He assured the surrendered cadres of a proper rehabilitation package. "Their decision is wise and we should also fulfill our obligation. They must be embraced and inducted into the mainstream. We will do our best to ensure rehabilitation for them," he said.
Home minister Gaikhangam, principal secretary (home) Suresh Babu, DGP Y Joykumar Singh and IG AR Major General UK Gurung were also present during the ceremony. The rebels surrendered AK 47 rifles, lathod guns, carbines, pistols and revolvers.
Lauding the Assam Rifles and Manipur police for their efforts in bringing the cadres to the mainstream, the chief minister said both the forces deserve kudos for the achievement. "Major General UK Gurung and his troops have done a commendable job. Credit must also go to DGP and his police force for effectively dealing prolonged insurgency and law and order problems," he added.
Stating that the recent peace initiatives have produced fairly good results, he said it has been the state government's conscious policy to engage maximum number of underground groups in peace talks. "The extent of this engagement has expanded over the years. We firmly believe that solution to any problem can only come through dialogue and peaceful means. Violence can never solve a problem," he said.
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