22 lay down arms before DG, GOC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 09 2010: Laying down arms and ammunition, four activists of the proscribed KCP-MC and two activists of PLA surrendered before DGP of Manipur Police Y Joykumar and GOC of 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen DS Hooda at Leimakhong today.

While welcoming 16 other persons including two brothers who reportedly fled from the camp of Kangleipak Fingang Lanmee (KFL), the armed wing of KCP-MC, the DGP and the GOC also handed them over to their respective families at the occasion.

Organised by Red Shield Division, which is under 57 Mountain Division, the surrender ceremony was held at the Leimakhong auditorium of the Red Shield Division.

GOC Maj Gen DS Hooda with the surrenderees

The two PLA cadres laid down one M-16 Rifles and one 9 mm pistol while the four KCP-MC men surrendered one pistol each with magazines and ammunition.

Army authorities, however, declined to disclose the names and addresses of all the surrendered activists.

However, the other 16 persons including the two brothers who reportedly fled from KFL camp in Bangladesh are said to be from Wangoo, Imphal and different parts of Ukhrul district.

According to the two brothers, one 17 years old and the other 14, one Memcha, a friend of their mother, lured them with the assurance of free education at Bangkok around one month back.

Till their arrival at Shillong, they knew nothing about their whereabouts.

The truth dawned on them when they reached the KFL camp at Bangladesh.

All 16 of them fled from the camp the same day.

After walking in the jungles for three days, they finally arrived at a camp of the Assam Rifles near Mizoram border.

From there, they were brought to Imphal.

Family members of one of the rescued persons from Wangoo also disclosed that one Memcha had taken their child along with two others on the promised of providing better education around one month back.

Out of the three taken from Wangoo, two managed to reach Imphal while the remaining stayed back along the way due to sickness.

Interacting with the mediapersons, GOC Maj Gen DS Hooda said that all 16 of them have been mislead on false promise of providing job and better education.

So they would be handed over to their respective family members after necessary counselling.

As for the surrendered armed activists, the State Government would ensure their rehabilitation after proper police verification.

Earlier, speaking at the surrender ceremony, DGP Y Joykumar welcomed the surrendered activists and observed that while the UG leaders are living in luxury, their sub-ordinate cadres are placed in not so enviable position.

The door of the State Govt is always open to welcome all the armed cadres who have been mislead and want to join the mainstream, the DGP added.