Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 26: In its continuing endeavors to promote peace in harmony in Manipur, IGAR(South) once again created history in motivating 114 hardcore but disaffected UGs is laying down arms unconditionally in joining the mainstream. At a simple yet landmark Homecoming ceremony, a record number of UGs surrendered in front of Shri O Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister at Mantipukhri on 26 Sep 12. The ceremony was attended by Shri Gaikhangam,Home Minister, Shri D S Poonia, Chief Secretary, Shri Joy Kumar Singh, DGP, Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary(Home) and Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM IGAR(S) also family members of the surrendering youth.
The UGs belonged to all the major groups including UNLF-18, PLA-11, KCP-09, KYKL-17, PREPAK-18, KNLF-12, UNPC-04, UPRF -01, KNLA-02, UPPK-6, and PULF-16. A large horde of weapons including AK 47s, Lathod Guns, Carbine and pistols were surrendered by the UGs.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the bold step taken by the UGs shunning violence and joining the path of peace and prosperity. He explained that peace and freedom from crime and terrorism are catalysts for progress and development. The Chief Minister also applauded the critical role of Assam Rifles in encouraging misguided youth to join the mainstream thereby promoting peace in the area.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Ibobi said officers and jawans of Assam Rifles and the state police force deserve commendation for this achievement and added Major General UK Gurung, IGAR South and his troops have done a commendable job.
He added due credit must also go to state DGP and his police force who are dealling with a prolonged insugency and law and order problem with fair degree of success.
It has been a conscious policy of his Government to engage maximum number of underground groups in peace talks, Ibobi stressed and added the extend of this engagement has expanded over the years, saying the Government firmly believes that solution to any problem will come only through dialogue and peaceful means and that violence can never solve a problem.
The prolonged armed movement in Manipur has not achieved anything concrete for the people and instead it has only bred disorder and chaos in the society, the Chief Minister insisted.
He noted that today rapid economic development across the globe is creating unprececedented opportunities for people, however Manipur has lagged behind in this race due to some of its very fundamental weaknesses pointing out that one of the these weaknesses is ‘prolonged situation of conflict.’
He added his Government is trying to bring about some path breaking changes in Manipur that one of its priority sectors is ‘power’ and it has initiated a process of total change in the sector by initiating public-private partnership. Initial offers have already been floated to invite capable and specialised private energy entities in Manipur, he further informed.
“We have already identified a number of potential and feasible locations of hydro project. The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of our state. We have also started a comprehensive transmission and distribution reforms.”
He said, “Today’s surrender ceremony reflects the mindset of our youth. Their decision is wise. On the other hand we must fulfill our obligation. They must be embraced and welcomed into the mainstream. I assure all them that we will make best efforts for their rehabilitation.”
The family members of the youth, some of them getting carried away by emotions, also profusely thanked the Assam Rifles for guiding the youth towards the right path and leading normal lives henceforth. They also hoped that the rehabilitation of these who surrendered will be done by the administration in an early timeframe.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/114-militants-lay-down-arms-to-cm/
