45 cadres of last faction of UTLA lay down arms
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 17 2013:
Altogether 45 cadres of a faction of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) led by its Chairman SK Thadou surrendered and laid down arms before Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, Northeast in-charge Shambu Singh and State Principal Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu in a home coming ceremony held at the Inspection Bungalow (IB) of Kadamtala, Jiribam, Imphal East today.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary Shambhu Singh described the home coming ceremony as another big step towards peace initiative, and appealed to all underground groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream.
He also lauded the efforts of all stake holders involved in the process of surrender, and added that the home coming of these cadres shows that peace and normalcy is not far from the State.
Shambhu Singh further asserted that the Central Government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues and ensured implementation of necessary works for rehabilitation.
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Principal Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu praised the cadres for their courage and wisdom in choosing to become responsible citizens of the State and contributed to progressive realization of people's aspiration for peace.
He reiterated that security forces on their part would continue to encourage all such endeavours by all insurgent groups both collectively and individually and continue to act as facilitator in their rehabilitation.
Dr Suresh also appreciated the untiring efforts of Jiribam-based Assam Rifles Battalion for facilitating the peace process.
Chairman of UTLA SK Thadou said that they have laid down arms as they desire peace.
The joining of all factions of UTLA in the peace process would bring about peace and development in the general area of Vangai Range, Jiribam and adjoining areas, he noted.
He further said that the decision of the cadres is a step in the right direction and such events would act as harbinger for numerous positive events in the future.
The home coming of the cadres is a further step towards returning normalcy and peace in the State, Thadou added.
The 45 UTLA cadres surrendered 42 arms including AK and M-16 rifles along with 89 ammunitions of various arms.