1855 ultras surrender in Assam
Source: The Sangai Express

Guwahati, January 24, 2012: In one of the largest surrender ceremonies in the North East region, 1855 militants belonging to nine groups today bid a farewell to arms before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and received roses for weapons turned in.

Among them were five major ethnic groups of the Adivashi Santhal outfits operating in upper Assam and three belonging to the Kukis besides a Hmar group inhabiting central Assam.

"Today is a historic day.

It is not often that one witnesses a day when so many groups which had earlier taken to the path of militancy decide to take the path of peace, reconciliation and brotherhood," Chidambaram said.

"I want to assure all of you that the governments of India and Assam will treat you as equal citizens of India with honour and dignity.

"The Government of India has welcomed the militants back to the fold.

We believe we are a republic and a democracy where every voice deserves to be heard.

Everyone is entitled to live with honour," said Chidambaram at the function where Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Army GOCs of 3 and 4 Corps, and Director General of Police Jayant Narayan Chowdhury were also present.

"All differences can be settled through talks, consultations, efforts and endeavour.

No knot can be left untied through patience," the home minister said.

The groups were Adivasi Peoples Army (APA), All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA), Santhal Tiger Force (STF), Birsa Commando Force (BCF), Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam (ACMA), Kuki Liberation Army (KLA)/Kuki Liberation Organisation (KLO), Hmar People's Convention (HPC), United Kukigam Defence Army and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).

BJP State unit vice-president Prof S Tikendra , quoting CNN-IBN, demanded that enquiries should be conducted into the false or misleading information given by candidates in their affidavits about their assets.

Furnishing false or misleading information about the candidates' assets was tantamount to making a mockery of the public, Prof Tikendra remarked.

CBI, Enforcement Directorate or other related agencies should probe into these cases, he demanded.

Already in ceasefire agreement with the government, the nine groups fighting either for secession or for greater autonomy submitted charters of demand to the government.

The chief minister said that militants had grievances and the path they chose had led to hardship for their families and the state.

"So many innocent people, your cadres and your family members lost their lives.

We don't want conflict.

You are all are our brothers and sisters," he said.

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