Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31:
Sending a chilling reminder that internal security in the State has gone from bad to worse in the past few decades, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) major General BK Chengappa has described the prevailing security scenario as volatile and complex.
"Conflicts are wide spread and violence and extortions have become the main tools of anti-National and insurgents elements", said the Inspector General during the inauguration of a vocational training programme in the state rehabilitation centre at Lamphelpat today.
The training programme meant for surrendered militants is being held under the aegis of military civic action programme.
Pointing to the porous international boundary as a matter of grave concern as it is facilitating acts of terrorism, insurgency and extortion, Chengappa opined that with the situation in the region highly volatile, the situation needs to be addressed with a holistic approach to curb and control it.
In all 22 surrendered militants belonging to armed outfits like the NSCN (IM), UNLF, PREPAK, KCP, PLA etc are in the centre.
Different vocational activities like computer training, tailoring, driving and classes on 'art of living' besides recreational facilities and videos are provided to the former rebels in the centre.
"This is a pilot project being run by the Assam Rifles for a period of one year and will prepare an environment for the surrendered underground cadres to join the mainstream", the IG said adding the project would be handed over to the state government for further implementation.
He said besides reforming the thoughts of the surrendered rebels it would also take them along a guided path of financial empowerment and selfreliance.
It would also help in building faith in the state administration and security forces and will encourage the misguided youths to join the mainstream by giving up militancy.
While the responsibility for construction of the centre's building, accommodation, food, power supply and security rests with the DG of state police Department, the conduct and coordination of vocational training is being monitored by Headquarters, 9 sector AR under the aegis of his office, the IG said.
4 AR has completed the entire infrastructure required for commencing the vocational training, he said adding that the centre was opened on the line of the surrender policy announced and formulated by the state government.
"This training centre is set up for all individuals who were and are presently involved in insurgency but have a desire to give up militancy and join the mainstream for a better life.
I request you to cooperate with us by maintaining peace and harmony for the smooth running of this institution," the Maj Gen conveyed.
The surrendered militants, while lauding the AR authorities for opening the vocational training centre, also expressed their desire to join the state force to protect themselves from being targeted by their former comrades.
Senior officials of state police also joined the inaugural ceremony of the centre.