13 ZPA cadres lay down arms before IGAR, DGP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 01 2010: Led by its founder, 13 cadres of the Zou People's Army (ZPA) have surrendered to IG AR (South) Maj Gen CA Krishnan and DGP Y Joykumar along with arms and weapons today.

The 13 ZPA cadres including its founder Liankhankhup alias Khupkhang Zou and a woman cadre formally laid down arms in a surrender ceremony held at Hqs IG AR (S) today.

Speaking at the occasion, 26 Sector AR Commander Brig SK Bhanot said that the armed group was established in 2008 and was operating in Sajik Tampak area of Chandel district.

Most of the ZPA cadres were illiterate and some of them had never attended schools.

Brig Bhanot said that the 13 cadres laid down arms and surrendered to the Government following sustained efforts by 8 Assam Rifles after contacting their relatives.

The 13 members of the ZPA at the surrender ceremony at IGAR (S) Hqs, Mantripukhri

Welcoming the surrendered cadres, DGP Y Joykumar complimented the efforts of Assam Rifles.

Joykumar said that Sajik Tampak was controlled by insurgents at one period and State administration could not reach the area.

The local people suffered very much and there were many casualties among them due to anti-personnel mine explosions.

But the situation has undergone dramatic change after the joint efforts of the Army and Assam Rifles.

It has become possible to take up development works in the area, Joykumar noted.

He said that a police station will be set up at Khengjoy together with a police out-post at Sajik Tampak in the next couple of years.

The DGP assured that youngsters from backward Sajik Tampak area would be given special consideration at the time of police and VDF recruitment.

As for the surrendered cadres, the State Police would extend all possible assistance, Joykumar said.

Later speaking to media persons, IG AR (S) Maj Gen CA Krishnan said that the Assam Rifles have been undertaking development programmes in the surrounding areas of the valley.

In the process, 13 ZPA cadres have returned to normal life.

"As DGP Joykumar mentioned, the Assam Rifles would look into what can be done for rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres in consultation with the State Police", Maj Gen CA Krishnan said.

The 13 ZPA cadres brought along one AK rifle, three pistols, one revolver, two radio sets and explosive materials.