52 UTLA cadres lay down arms
No place of armed revolution in democracy: Ibobi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 27 2012: The remaining 52 cadres of Military Wing of United Tribal Liberation Army which had earlier signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO), a tripartite agreement involving India government, State Government and Kuki UG groups, came forward for formal surrender in front of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Home Minister Gaikhangam, DGP RK Baral and GOC, Red Shield Division Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen in a home coming ceremony at Leimakhong today.

UTLA had signed the SoO pact with the Centre and State Government earlier on March 24 .

The 52 cadres of Military Wing of UTLA led by its self-styled commander-in-chief Robert Singson laid down arms during the home coming ceremony hosted at Leimakhong Headquarters of the Red Shield Division today.

Earlier, 43 cadres of the outfit had surrendered on October 27 last year during another home coming ceremony hosted at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles.

The 52 remaining cadres who could not come and surrender earlier decided to join the rest of their group for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur today and they handed over 42 high quality automatic weapons, including five out of nine weapons seized by them during a raid on IRB post at Chekra Cham in South Assam on November 13, 2009 .

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi described today's ceremony as another big step towards peace initiative and appealed to all the UG groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream.

The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of Red Shield Division and the peace initiative taken by the GOC and said that any UG cadre who want to surrender to the government can come forward without any fear and hesitation.

Observing that the home coming of the UTLA cadres shows that peace and normalcy is not very far for the strife-torn State, the Chief Minister assured that his government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues and implement necessary works.

However, he made it clear that his government may cancel the SoO agreement if any cadre of a UG group under SoO violates the ground rules of the agreement and found engaged in illegal activities.

There is no place for armed revolution in a democratic country.

Taking up arms for a demand will only create problems after problems instead of bringing any solution, the Chief Minister said.

Talking of solution through political dialogue with the UG groups under SoO pact, the Chief Minister pointed out that it may take some time to find a possible settlement.

However, the government will not consider any demand of a separate homeland under any circumstances.

Home Minister Gaikhangam also commended Red Shield Division for their peace endeavours and said that the state government has been providing financial assistance and developing infrastructure for resettlement of the UG cadres.

So, they are expected to work in the interest of the people.

Major General Binoy Poonnen praised the cadres for their courage and wisdom in choosing to become responsible citizens of the state and contribute to progressive realization of people's peace aspiration.

He reiterated that on their part the security forces would continue to encourage all such endeavours by all insurgent groups both collectively and individually and shall continue to act as facilitator in their rehabilitation and hence in their emergence as responsible citizens of the state.

The GOC also appreciated the efforts of HQ 57 Mountain Division, 21 PARA (SF) and 22 Assam Rifles, which made the home coming ceremony possible.

Asking one one SK Tharao, a cadre of UTLA, who is still working actively in Nonei and Jiribam to come forward and surrender, the GOC urged Zeliangrong Unitd Front (ZUF), which is operating in Khoupum area to surrender unless they want action against them.

"Till now, the Army believes that ZUF will come to the mainstream soon which is why the Army is not taking them as a militant group.

However, if they continue their illegal activities and refuse to surrender, Army will be forced to carry out operations against them very soon", he warned.

The 52 cadres who came forward for homecoming ceremony are identified as SS C-in-C Robert, TS Laden, Seiboi @ TS Ricky, Chungialai @ Boboi, Hellensang @ Mark, Lamhen @ S Lion, Manglengou @ Goupu, Bom Singson @ Bom, Lamminthang @ Min, Thanglenmang @ Mang, Gina Neihsial @ Gin, Lallenmang @ Lal, Bertneo @ Kenedy, Joypu @ Joy, Thanglal @ Thang, Mineo Singson @ Neo, Nehcha @ Iris, Lenna @ Len, Lamsat @ Katu, Lalpu, Lalboi, David, Henlun, John, Laljathang @ Jai, Lunlam, Gogou, Janglal, Mona @ Arjun, Paominlun, Paogoulem, Lalboi @ Lendou, Lentinlal @ Lalboi, Thangjakai @ Hekai, Paogin @ Major Pagin, Lamminthang @ Akbar, Ngulkhohao, Jangneh, Thangkam, Jangthang, Kamsei @ Keipi, Lunminthang @ Tiger, Seitinlal, Semkhomang @ Sanjay, Kailenmang, Seikam, Seithang @ Robin, Helkholal, Kaikholal, Janggoulal @ Mike, Lallenthang @ Jawan, Letsei @ Alex.

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