31 militants from five groups surrender in Manipur
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Imphal: A 'homecoming ceremony' in Manipur's capital today saw as many as 31 militants surrender to the state government. They laid down arms and ammunition before Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The militants belong to five underground extremist outfits. 17 belong to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-People's War Group (PWG); four are from the United National Liberation Front (UNLF); six from The People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), three cadres from Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) while one cadre is from PREPAK (VC).
The tribal guerillas deposited one M-16 rifle, one M-4 carbine, one Lathod gun, one single barrel rifle, 11 pistols and one 12 mm bore pistol along with five cartridges, three Lathod shells, one improvised explosive device, and three live bullets.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground in Imphal, the CM said that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently declared that no FIR will be registered against those who surrendered unless they have committed a heinous crime.
He later tweeted: "I extend a hearty welcome to the 31 cadres of different UG groups for laying down their arms during a homecoming ceremony at 1 MR Banquet Hall, Imphal today. It is my firm belief that many more will return to the mainstream and join the work to build a progressive Manipur."
A statement issued by Assam Rifle said Spear Corps of Assam Rifles and Manipur police persuaded the insurgents to come overground and join the mainstream. However, the outfits have not yet joined a dialogue with the government. The state government and the Centre have reached out to insurgent groups to resolve the long-standing issues.
"Security forces compliment the insurgents for this decision and impress upon all those who have chosen the wrong path to join back into the mainstream and live a happy and peaceful life. Families of the surrendered insurgents also expressed their gratitude to the security forces for safely bringing their loved ones back to the family," said a statement issued by Assam Rifles.
Militancy-related violence has come down in the Northeast region by 80% since 2014.