Post SoO, 52 UTLA cadres lay down arms
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 27 2012:
Fifty two cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA), which has recently inked the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) involving State and Central Governments, laid down arms before Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Home Minister Gaikhangam, DGP R S Baral and 57 Mountain Division GOC Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen in a 'Homecoming Ceremony' organised at Red Shield auditorium, Leimakhong today.
It may be mentioned that the outfit inked the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Central and State Governments on March 24 last after 43 of its cadres surrendered to the Government on October 27 last year.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi said prolonged armed movement in Manipur could not achieve anything for the people of the State except bring disorder and chaos in the society.
While the rest of the world is progressing fast, the State is still struggling with basic things like law and order, he added.
Maintaining that there is no place for violence in a democratic country, the Chief Minister observed that violence does not solve any problem but creates more problems.
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For bringing peace and normalcy, Government's door is always kept open for negotiation and talk with all concerned, he reiterated.
He also assured the surrendered cadres that the Government would try its best in providing them a peaceful life in the mainstream.
Later, speaking to reporters, Chief Minister warned that if any of SoO group violates the ground rules it would be revoked.
He also said that there are reports of involvement of SoO groups in extortion and abduction.
Speaking at the occasion, Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen said, the 52 surrendered cadres of UTLA brought 42 high quality automatic weapons, which include nine weapons looted during their raid on IRB Post at Chekra Cham in South Assam on November 13, 2009 .
The outfit was established in 2003 and extended its operation at Vangai Range, Churachandpur, Jiribam and parts of Assam, he added.
The GOC also appreciated the efforts of Hqs 57 Mountain Division, 21 Para (Special Forces), 46 Assam Rifles and 22 Assam Rifles which according to him made the event possible.
Maintaining that only few cadres are left in the outfit now, the GOC urged them to come in the mainstream like their fellow cadres.
He also added that Army, Assam Rifles and police would initiate operation if they do not heed to the call.