21 UG cadres lay down arms
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 24 2011: Altogether 21 cadres of three UG groups laid down arms and surrendered to the army today.

A 'home coming' function was held today at 57 Mountain Division Headquarters at Leimakhong where the UG cadres laid down arms.

The UG cadres who surrendered today included 16 cadres of NSCN-K (Unification), four cadres of NNC and one cadre of PREPAK.

Arms and weapons brought along by these cadres were handed over to DGP Y Joykumar, GOC of 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, Deputy GO Brig KB Chand and 27 Sector AR Commander Brig VS Ranade.

They surrendered six rifles, two stenguns, 10 pistols, one revolver and two carbines.

The 21 youths surrendered to the Red Shied Division through 3rd Mahar Regiment and 39 Assam Rifles.

Speaking at the function, DGP Y Joykumar said that the recent trend of misguided people joining the mainstream after realising their folly is a step towards restoring peace in Manipur.

The surrendered UG cadres with red shawls pose for the lens

He also observed that the situation is improving in neighbouring Assam too.

PLA founder Bisheshwar was killed by his own cadres, UNLF split into KYKL and UNLF, KYKL again disintegrated to give birth to MDF as KCP and PREPAK split into several factions, Joykumar stated.

These UG groups do not have any ideology even though they have been talking about ideology and sovereignty, he claimed.

Killing of chowkidar and his young son for ransom money is not comprehensible within any ideology or the demand for sovereignty.

The UG cadres have been attacking unarmed civilians besides killing each other, he asserted.

Those who joined the mainstream left their parties after realising all these unethical practices.

GOC Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen said that the insurgents were once characterised by ideology but today they are working on the principle of extortion.

The youths came back to the mainstream due to absence of ideology and leadership crisis within the UG groups, the GOC stated.

Though the 21 youths were genuine cadres, their respective parties may disown them.

The GOC also pledged that all possible assistance would be provided to the surrendered cadres in association with the State Government regarding their rehabilitation and vocational training.

He also conveyed Christmas and New Year messages to the 21 youths and their families.