IMPHAL, December 15: Violence cannot bring peace in the State, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said welcoming the cadres and leaders of several militant outfits during their Home-coming ceremony held today at the Banquet Hall of the 1stManipur Rifles, Imphal today.
Altogether 35 leaders and cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KK-Nganba), 20 cadres of the KCP (MC) Nongdrenkhomba, chairman of PREPAK (VC) A Nabachandra Singh and finance secretary of the same outfit Chinglen had laid down their arms before the State government
They brought along 31 weapons along with them to the home-coming ceremony.
Representing the State government, principal secretary Home Dr J Sureshbabu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ch Manglemjao alias KK Nganba of the KCP (KK Nganba) later during the ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister had said the whole world today believes in non-violence being the only tool to bring in peace and harmony.
He further lauded the cadres and leaders for leaving their violent ways and coming to the mainstream, and said everything can be solved through non-violence and dialogues. Such home-coming ceremonies will deliver a positive message to the entire State, he said.
Ibobi also indicated that the surrendered cadres may be absorbed in the State forces or maybe they could be raised in a battalion like the India Reserve Battalion.
Condemning the suspected IED explosion in the morning at a crowded Thangal Bazaar area, the Chief Minister said although his government desire to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State, such blasts occurring frequently in the Imphal municipality area from where the Act has been removed acts as a deterrent.
He further appealed to the remaining militant outfits and cadres who are yet to join the mainstream to leave their violent ways and return to the mainstream and hold talks with the government.
Today`™s ceremony was also attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, DGP Shahid Ahmed, chief secretary PC Lawmkunga, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairperson Dr Bijoy Singh other top officials of the State forces and IGAR Shout 9th sector officials.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/chief-minister-welcomes-surrendered-militants-into-mainstream-society/