Progress needs freedom from crime: Ibobi
Eight FGN, five DHD(J) lay down arms before CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 13 2011: Chief Minister O Ibobi has said that peace and freedom from crime and terrorism are the catalysts for progress and development, speaking at a surrender ceremony held at IGAR (S) complex, Mantripukhri today.

Thirteen militants, eight from the Nagaland based Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and five DHD (J) cadres with its operative area in Assam's Cachar Hills, laid down arms before the CM.

Welcoming the surrendering militants to the "mainstream", the CM said that there is no place for violence in a democratic country.

Any disagreement can be solved by non-violent means.

No solution can be brought about by violent means.

As there is no other way than talks to end any conflict, government still opens its doors to the UGs to come forward for peace talks.

He also reminded that India achieved independence through non-violent means.

Ibobi asserted that some NE states have achieved progress through dialogue, but that in some other states the prevailing bad law and order situation is giving hindrances in the development pace.

CM O Ibobi flanked by DGP Y Joykumar (R) and IG AR (S) Maj Gen CA Krishnan receiving surrerndered UG cadres

Expressing concern over the unabated threats by UGs, the CM said that if the violent disturbances in the state is allowed to continue further, it is sure to cripple the society.

Keeping this in mind everybody needs to cooperate with the government in bringing an end to the chaotic situation in the state.

Praising the militants who had surrendered for having taken the brave and right decision to tread on the path of peace, the CM also applauded the role taken up by the Assam Rifles and the state police in facilitating the surrender and rehabilitation process for the misguided youth.

Recalling that some UGs had surrendered to the government in August last year, he said that government is working for their rehabilitation.

Stating that the existing surrender policy of the government is not suited with the times, Ibobi said that state government has appraised the Centre for revising it.

The thirteen cadres of the two underground outfits formally surrendered to the CM at a ceremony organized at HQ IGAR(S), Mantripukhri.

The ceremony was attended by state DGP Y Joykumar and Major General CA Krishnan and officials of the AR and state police.

The 13 cadres laid down one AK-47 rifle, one G-3 rifle, two carbines, two Lethode guns and seven pistols.

'Joint secretary' Khadiba P Sangtam was among the eight cadres of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) who surrendered and out of the eight, seven of them including the 'joint secretary' were from Nagaland's Tuensang district.

Khadiba P Sangtam of Lirise village surrendered with a pistol.

'Lance Corporal' Tsusothong Yinehunger son of Shokum of Sukur village surrendered with a G-3 rifle, 'Range Secretary' C Lingpongse Sangtam son of L Chokhab of Phirahi village with a pistol, 'Raja Pao/Sergeant' Likhumsing Sangtam son of Linthrongse of Chungtor village with a AK-47, 'Lance Corporal' Liang Khianijngan son of Pungon of Lengnyu village with a pistol, 'Raja Pao/Sergeant' Sian Khamniumngan son of Ngaro of Lengnya with a lethode gun and Lumtsengse Sangtam son of Thralongse of Crungier village with a pistol.

'Lance Corporal' Kiuthrongba Yimchunger who surrendered with a 9 mm (SMC) is from Pongrengru village of Nagaland's Kiphire district.

The five cadres of DHD(J) surrendered with three pistols, one lethode gun and one 9mm (SMC).

Out of the five three are of 'private' ranks while two are 'Corporals'.

They all hail from Dimahasau district of Assam.

The three 'Privates' are Sumit Roy son of Ranjan Hojai of Pura village, Kabinon Longmailan son of Harilal Longmailai of Moti and Goponjit Langthasa son of Rangendro Langthasa of Haitikhali village while the two 'Corporals' are Somorjoy Jaranbua son of Dinesh Jaranbusha of Walao village and Sunder Singh Hasnu son of Tisul Hasnu of Walao village.

At the end of the ceremony, the surrendered cadres narrated their experiences of how they were misguided to take to arms while conveying their thanks to the CM, AR and the state police for facilitating their surrender thereby giving them the opportunity to join the mainstream.