10 UGs lay down arms before Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 26 2011: In all 10 underground activists belonging to different armed groups laid down their arms before Additional DGP V Zathang and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) in a formal surrender ceremony held at IGAR (S) complex, Mantripukhri today.

The 10 UGs who surrendered with arms and ammunition include one each from the banned outfits UNLF, PLA, PREPAK, KCP (S) and KCP (MTF) and five cadres from UNPC.

Of the 10 UGs, five of them, one each belonging to UNLF, PLA and KCP (S) and two others of UNPC, reportedly surrendered to 29 Assam Rifles while of the remaining five, three who belong to UNPC and one to PREPAK surrendered to 31 Assam Rifles and one who belong to KCP (MTF) surrendered to 35 Assam Rifles.

The surrendered militants along with security personnel

In the formal surrender ceremony held under the banner and theme of 'Home Coming Ceremony Youth for Progressive and Prosperity of Manipur (India)', Ningthemo alias Inao Khomjinba alias Kaijadaba s/o S Lukhao Singh of Wangoo Mamang Leikai, a S/S Cpl of KCP (S) (army no.362), laid down one Lethode and one Lethode ammunition; Ningthoukhongjam Ibotomba alias Konthou (18) s/o N Ranjit of Kakching Chumlang, a S/S Pvt of UNLF (army no.2229), laid down one M-16 with one magazine and 20 live rounds; Thangboi alias Roben alias Timothy (27) s/o Hemkhai of Tuibong Churachandpur, a S/S sergeant of PLA (army no.2791) laid down one Ak-56 with magazine and 30 live rounds; BL Arjun alias Sachingba (26) s/o BL Lungkulinang of New Kabui Khullen, a S/S Cpl of UNPC (army no.076), laid down one AK-56 with one magazine and 30 live rounds; BL Sangak alias Sachui (19) s/o BL Katuang of Oktean Noney, another S/S Cpl of UNPC (army no.063), laid down one M-22 with one magazine and 30 live rounds; Samphangni alias Achan s/o Hopson of Lamlong, a S/S Pvt of UNPC (army no.068), laid down one AK-47 with one magazine and 15 live rounds; Ningreisem alias Thangrei s/o Naginingkhul of Thingsong Senapati, another S/S Pvt (army no.064), laid down one pistol with one magazine and five live rounds; Wisdom alias Sauthang s/o Ningchung of Leihaviram Senapati, also another S/S Pvt of UNPC (army no 078), laid down one Radio set Kenwood; Sumarjit Meitei alias Apike of Kutoujam Imphal East, a S/S Pvt of PREPAK (army no.143) laid down one AK-47 with magazine and 10 live rounds and Angom Nanao alias Pishak s/o late Ibocha of Kanglatongbi, a S/S Pvt of KCP-MTF (army no.0145), surrendered one 9 mm pistol with 9 live rounds.

Speaking at the occasion, ADGP V Zathang welcomed the surrendered UGs to the mainstream of the civil society and said that the peaceful surrender of these cadres with arms would definitely be a guiding beacon for other armed UGs not in Suspension of Operation with the Government to follow suit paving the way for peace and harmony in the State.

The ADGP also assured that all facilities which can be provided by the State Government under the existing surrender policy would be extended to the surrendered UG cadres.

In his address, IGAR (S) Major General CA Krishnan, AVSM, pointed out that till date, a total of 625 UGs have surrendered.

This a good sign, he said, adding that more and more misled youth are being encouraged to abjure violence, lay down arms and join the mainstream.

He also said that the misled youth who lay down arms require support from all sections of the society to reintegrate them with the mainstream.