103 cadres of 13 UG groups surrender before CM
Youths choose violence out of compulsion, says Ibobi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 30 2012: In one of the largest surrender ceremonies of UGs in the history of Manipur, 103 cadres of 13 different UG groups operating in the state laid down their arms before Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in a surrender ceremony at headquarters IGAR(S), Mantripukhri today.

The number of surrendered UG cadres and the outfits they belong to are UNLF (22), PLA (9), KCP (10), KYKL (9), PREPAK (14), KNLF (8), UNPC (4), KRPA (1), KRF (2), UPPK (1), NSCN-IM (2), NSCN-K (1) and PULF (20) .

Altogether 103 weapons including 9 AK rifles, one M16 rifle, one, M21 rifle, three lathodes, one 7.62mm rifle, twenty five 9mm CMG, four 303 rifles/ bolt action rifles, forty seven 9mm pistols, ten 7.65mm pistols, two 7.62 pistols were also surrendered by the cadres.

The surrender ceremony was attended by Home Minister Gaikhangam, Chief Secretary D S Poonia, DGP Mr Ratnakar Baral and IGAR (S) Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM.

Chief Minister Ibobi shaking hands with surrenderred UGs

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

The keenness of the surrendered youths clearly indicates that the path to violence is chosen more out of compulsion.

It hardly needs to be emphasized that the younger generations have been disappointed due to the lack of job opportunities.

He further stated that it is extremely unfortunate to see that a large number of youths have felt compelled to take up arms while the society needed them the most as the pillars of the nation.

There are several areas in our country where the youths are disillusioned and need to be looked into.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the situation prevailing in the state same like the one seen in Naxal affected areas where the Naxalites posed serious threat to the law and order machinery.

He also expressed amazement over unwillingness on the part of the UG groups to come out for dialogue, and said that while several armed groups have been in peace dialogue with the state government, many still choose to remain silent.

Talk and negotiation are needed in a vibrant democracy like ours with a constitutional system to sort of any difference of opinion.

Further pointing out that non-democratic and non-violent regimes and movements are symbols of backwardness; Chief Minister O Ibobi said that democracy has been getting stronger across the world with even Myanmar getting into democratic set up recently and the world is all praise for Myanmar.

He went on to say that the state government has been appealing consistently that peace and development go hand in hand.

Peace is a prerequisite for development.

However, those advocating violence have emerged as the biggest hindrance in the path of development.

Speaking of peace and development in the state, the Chief Minister maintained that the state government has remained committed to peace and development in Manipur.

The government has been focusing on extremely crucial sectors of public interest like electricity, road infrastructure and water supply.

But without the support and cooperation of the people no government can deliver justice to its people.

Urging the people for supporting the vision and policies of the government for ushering in peace and development, Chief Minister O Ibobi applauded the role of Assam Rifles in facilitating the surrender and helping the misguided youth of Manipur through various rehabilitation programs.