Door wide open for talks: CM to UG groups
Thirty one cadres of five outfits surrender, lay down arms & ammos
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, November 16 2022: A homecoming ceremony for 31 cadres of different insurgent groups was held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles with chief minister N Biren Singh as the chief guest.

The 31 surrendered cadres included 17 from KCP (PWG), four from UNLF, six from PREPAK, three from KYKL and one from PREPAK (VC) .

The surrendered cadres laid down one M16 Rifle, one M4 Carbine, one Lathod gun, one Single Barrel Rifle, seven .32 pistols, three .22 pistols and one 12 mm bore pistol along with five cartridges, three Lathod shells, one IED and three live rounds arms before the chief minister.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren welcomed the return of 31 cadres who had left home and joined the UG groups for some reason and expressed words of appreciation on their decision to come back to the mainstream.

He continued that north-eastern states including Manipur were earlier considered hostile regions from outsiders due to its law and order and insurgency problems.

However, with the coming up of the union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, certain political changes could be seen.

While pointing out that various developmental works are being taken up across the region, he also contended that the state government is ac cording top priority towards promotion of healthy relationships among different communities inhabiting the state.

The chief minister further maintained that the central government is focusing on mission-oriented programmes to ensure that all citizens live together as one, leaving aside alldifferences.

With reference to the phase wise repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, including the recent decision to do away with the policy of giving unbridled power to the security forces from areas covered by 15 police stations in addition to the earlier exclusion of seven assembly segments in the valley districts, Biren said the state government has been taking up various initiatives, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, to create a peaceful environment across the state.

Stating that the government is open for all forms of talk to bring back cadres of all UG groups to the mainstream, he reiterated the statement of Union Home Minister that not a single bullet would be fired on those militants who want to return to normal life, join the mainstream and no FIR would be registered against them unless they are involved in heinous crimes.

He asserted that the state government would always uphold the scheme of surrender-cum-rehabilitation and also assured to provide all possible assistances even after the rehabilitation period to earn their livelihood.

N Biren then appealed to the security forces operating in the state to extend cooperation to the state government's effort to bring back members of UG groups to the mainstream, so that more cadres would be encouraged to shun the path of violence.

He further made a clarion call to all active cadres of UG groups to come out and join the mainstream and extend support in bringing development in Manipur.

According to a statement issued by PRO IGAR (S), security forces of IGAR (South) under Spear Corps along with Manipur police successfully persuaded 31 insurgents of KCP (PWG), KYKL, PREPAK and UNLF outfits to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.

"Security forces compliment the insurgents for this decision and impress upon all those who have chosen the wrong path to return back to the mainstream and live a happy and peaceful life," the PRO said, adding that families of the surrendered insurgents also expressed their gratitude to the security forces for safely bringing their loved ones back to the family.

Power minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Members of Legislative Assembly, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, Director General of Police P Doungel, senior civil and police officials and top paramilitary force officers also attended the programme among others.

It may be mentioned that under the Revised Scheme for Surrender-Cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East State, 2018 of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, rehabilitation benefits given to the surrendered cadres include a onetime financial grant of Rs 4 lakh to each surrendered cadre, which is to be kept in a bank in their names as fixed deposit for a period of three years; monthly stipends of Rs 6000 per person; and incentives for surrendered weapons.

They will stay in a rehabilitation camp for three years.

Later, the chief minister visited the Marjing Polo Complex at Heingang and inspected the ongoing installation work of Sagol Kangjei stat ue and development of Polo ground.

He also inspected the construction of New Civil Secretariat buildings and its complex at Mantripukhri.

He was accompanied by minister Govindas Konthoujam; Planning and Development Authority chairman Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Wangoi MLA Khuraijam Loken Singh, Andro MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar, commissioner (works) T Ranjit Singh and other officials.

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