57 UGs lay down arms
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 15 2011: In yet another major success for security forces deployed in the State 57 cadres of different insurgent outfits surrendered to the Government of Manipur today.

The 57 cadres, said to be hard-core members of various underground outfits, formally surrendered to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition in a simple ceremony organised at Hqs IGAR(S), Mantripukhri today.

DGP Y Joykumar and IGAR(S) Maj Gen UK Gurung were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi stated that peace and freedom from crime and terrorism are the catalysts for progress and development.

congratulating the surrenderees for having taken the right decision to deviate from the path of violence and noting that the past few years had witnessed several UG cadres joining the mainstream, he took grim note of the fact that some armed outfits, currently observing suspension of operation pact with the Government are violating the SoO ground rules.

CM O Ibobi Singh, State and Assam Rifles officials with the surrendered UG cadres at IGAR (S)

Cautioning that the Government will not tolerate any further breach of SoO guidelines, he appealed to leaders of these outfits to reign in their cadres.

Conceding that the State Govt had been providing financial and logistic support to SoO signatories, the CM termed such assistance as a reciprocal arrangement.

The Chief Minister also lauded the role of Assam Rifles in facilitating the surrender and helping the misguided youth of Manipur through various rehabilitation programmes.

Speaking to newspersons on the sideline of the 'home coming' ceremony, IGAR (S) Maj gen UK Gurung said all those who took part in today's event are genuine cadres.

He also assured all possible rehabilitation and resettlement programmes for the surrendered cadres with due consultation with the State Government.

According to a press release issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S), the cadres who laid down arms include five UNLF, 15 PULF (Azad), two PULF (UF), one PULF (MI Khan), one KCP (MTF), two PREPAK (VC), six PREPAK, one KCP (City Meitei), two KCP, one KCP (Tabungba Meitei), one PREPAK (Pro), one PRA, six PLA, six KNLF, four KYKL, two UTLA and one NSCN(K) cadres.

They also brought a number of weapons including one M-16, one Lathod, six AK-56 rifles, two AK-47 rifles, three Carbines, five 7.65 pistols, three 7.62 mm pistols, one 9 mm revolver and thirty-five 9 mm pistols, the release listed.

It added that the surrenderees and their family members conveyed their sincere thanks to Assam Rifles for guiding them towards the right path and giving them the opportunity to join the mainstream.

It is evident from such large number of surrenders that the people of Manipur abhor violence and are desirous of leading a peaceful and prosperous life, observed the PRO release and added that the people have realised that it is peace and harmony alone that can pave the way for development of Manipur.

The general public have been suffering due to militant outfits who indulge in senseless killings, extortion and anti-social activities, it maintained.