Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 30: A total of 103 cadres of various underground groups surrendered with arms and ammunitions before Manipur Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh today.
In a surrender ceremony held at HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri Imphal today, the 103 cadres (UNLF 22, PULF 20, KYKL 9, PREPAK 14, KNLF 8, KCP 10, PLA 9, UNPC 4, NSCN (IM) 2, NSCN (K) 1, UPPK 1, KRPA 1, KRF 2) laid down their arms and decided to return to the main stream.
Altogether 103 numbers of weapons including AK-47s, M-16s, Carbines and pistols were surrendered.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said, it is extremely unfortunate that many young people have felt compelled to take up arms while society needed them as builders of the nation. The younger generation has been disappointed due to lack of job opportunities and other avenues. These young people have chosen the path of violence out of compulsion than a choice, he added.
While several armed groups have been in peace dialogue with the government, many of the armed groups still choose to remain silent, the Chief Minister said.
Citing that the peaceful democratic movement of Aung San Suu Kyi has met a great success in Myanmar, the Chief Minister said that the wave of democracy has been getting stronger and stronger across the world. People world over have shown growing desire for freedom, democracy and peace. Non-democratic regimes and movements are now symbols of backwardness, he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that peace and development go hand in hand and peace is rather a pre-requisite for development. Those perpetrating and advocating violence are the biggest hindrance to the path of development. The nations that have embraced progressive ideas are the ones that have developed rapidly, he further said.
He further said that Manipur has a huge social wealth in terms of its population of younger age-group having tremendous potential. But unfortunately we have not been able to harness it, he added.
“My government has remained committed to the cause of peace and development of Manipur,” the Chief Minister said and added that it would focus on certain crucial sectors of public interest like electricity, road infrastructure and water supply and appealed to the people for their support and cooperation.
The Chief Minister lauded the IGAR (South) and his troops for their commendable job in bringing back various UG outfits to the main stream of the society.
The event was one of the largest surrender ceremonies by UGs in the history of Manipur. It is evident from such large numbers of surrenders that the people of the state abhor violence and are desirous of leading a peaceful and prosperous life. While Manipur has been facing the scourge of terrorism for the past several decades, it is the general public who are bearing the burnt of problems due to the presence of such militant outfits who indulge in senseless killings, extortion and anti social activities.
The endless efforts made by Assam Rifles to get misled youths back to mainstream with the support of State govt has shown a remarkable impact in present improved security situation of Manipur state. Conduct of fair and smooth Assembly election in recent past coupled with spurt in surrenders as signified by the second such ceremony in Mantripukhri, is a pointer to fast pace of return of normalcy and disenchantment of the youth with violence. It is believed that this Home coming ceremony would have far reaching implications leading to chartering a new course of peace, prosperity, harmony and would sound death nail of the insurgency.
The militants and specially their family members who were carried away by emotions conveyed their sincere thanks to Assam Rifles for guiding them towards the right path and giving them the opportunity to join the main stream.
Home Minister Shri Gaikhangam, Chief Secretary, Manipur Shri DS Poonia, DGP Manipur Shri R. Baral, Major General U.K. Gurung, IGAR (South) and Jawans of Assam Rifles were also present during the surrender ceremony.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/103-militants-lay-down-arms-to-cm/
