103 UG cadres lay down arms
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2012:
In what could be termed as the largest surrender ceremony in the annals of Manipur's insurgency history, at least 103 underground cadres from different UG groups have laid down arms today before Chief Minister O Ibobi.
103 armed cadres including two women have bade farewell to arms during a 'Home Coming Ceremony' organised by the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), at the IGAR (S) headquarters located at Mantripukhri.
Apart from the Chief Minister, the surrender ceremony was attended by Home Minister Gaikha-ngam, Chief Secretary DS Poonia, State DGP, Rat-nakar Baral and IGAR (S) Maj Gen UK Gurung.
The surrendered cadres included 22 cadres of UNLF, 20 cadres of PULF, 9 KYKL cadres, 14 PREPAK cadres, 8 KNLF cadres, 10 from KCP, 9 from PLA, 4 from UNPC, 2 NSCN (IM) cadres, one each from NSCN (K), UPPK, and KPRA and two KRF cadres.
Nine AK-47 rifles, three lathodes, twenty-five Carbines Machines, 59 pistols three .303 Rifles and one each of M-16, M-21 rifle and 7.62 mm Rifle were laid down during the ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, CM Okram Ibobi said that the zeal of the surrendered cadres indicates that they had chosen the violent path more out of compulsion than a choice.
"It hardly needs to be emphasised that the younger generation have been disappointed due to lack of job opportunities and other avenues," the CM underscored.
Ibobi said that it is extremely unfortunate to see that a large number of young people have felt compelled to take up arms while the society needed them as the builders of the nation.
Stating that the Manipur is not only the place where the youths are disillusioned like in places that are affected by Naxals, the CM said the trend posed a serious challenge to the law and order machinery.
He wondered that some revolutionary organisations have maintained their silence to have a peace dialogue while some groups are engaged
in it.
Maintaining that the wave of democracy has been growing stronger, the CM averred that people all over the world have been showing great desire for democracy as was evident in the case of some Middle East countries like Egypt.
He stated that non-democratic regimes and movements are now symbol of backwardness, adding that the peaceful democratic movement of Aung San Suu Kyi met a great success in not just a distant past in Myanmar.
Speaking in the context of Manipur CM Okram Ibobi further averred that peace is rather a pre-requisite for development.
He assured that his government would surely delivered the needs of the people if enough amount of active and continued support is extended.
The CM lauded the efforts of the Assam Rifles in bringing the youths to the mainstream.
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