43 UTLA cadres lay down arms
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 27 2011:
In one of the largest number of UG cadres surrendering till date, 43 cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA), which is a signatory of the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact involving Centre, state government and Kuki UG groups, laid down their arms and surrendered to the government today.
Led by their President and General Secretary, UTLA cadres laid down arms during a 'Home Coming Ceremony' at the banquet hall of Ist Manipur Rifles here.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, DGP Y Joykumar and GOC of 57 Mountain Division Major General Binoy Poonen, were among those present in today's Home Coming ceremony.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh described today's Home Coming Ceremony as one of the biggest achievements toward peace initiative and reiterated his appeal to all the UG groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream.
The surrender of UTLA cadres en masse, which has come close behind the heels of laying down of arms by many cadres of various UG groups recently, shows that peace and normalcy is returning in Manipur, the Chief Minister asserted.
The Chief Minister noted that UTLA had been raised in Vangai Range of Jiribam as the people of the area were disappointed over lack of development works.
The government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues put forward by ULTA and ensure implementation of necessary works at the earliest possible.
Talking tough against reported violation of SoS ground rules by some of the signatory Kuki UG groups which have allegedly resorted to looting and extorting money, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the government has been providing financial assistance and developing infrastructure for resettlement of the UG cadres, and so, violation of ground rules of SoO should be stopped at once and start working in the interest of the people.
The government would not remain quiet in case there is violation of ground rules in future, the Chief Minister warned.
DGP Y Joykumar lauded the efforts of Red Shield Division in bringing back UTLA cadres to the mainstream.
The DGP pointed out that the route of the proposed railway line from Jiribam to Imphal happens to fall within the area of domination of UTLA.
But now that the UTLA cadres have laid down arms, the task of laying the railway line could be expedited without any hindrance.
The police officer also assured every possible help from the side of the government in rehabilitating the surrendered UTLA cadres.
GOC of 57 Mountain Division Major General Binoy Poonen pointed out that today's home coming ceremony is by far amongst the largest number of cadres of a single UG group surrendering to join the mainstream in recent times.
The Major General recalled that President of UTLA Seipu alias Isheal and General Secretary Sienzahau T Singsit alias Abu formally announced to join Suspension of Operation on September 8, 2011 .
Out of 75 UTLA cadres who have decided to come home, 43 have surrendered today and others would follow suit shortly, he added.
The 43 UTLA cadres, who laid down arms and surrendered to the government today, have been identified as President Seipu alias Ishael (37), General Secretary Sienzahau T Singsit alias Abu (40), Secretary (Home) SL Minlun alias.
Lulun (33), Maj Paolallein alias Dev (29), Lt L Minlun alias Franky (30), Sgt Paongual alias Arzen (32), Sgt Lenminthang alias Raju (35), Sgt/Maj Janghao alias Copler (35), Cpl Lalzom alias Lendy (19), Cpl Mamang alias Lewis (36), Cpl Goulien alias Wilson (27) Cpl Doulun alias I Vin (24), L/Cpl Joshua alias Romance (20), L/Cpl Thongminthang alias T Guite (24), L/Cpl Vumcha alias Eric (22), L/Cpl Kalu alias Romesh (25), Pvt Mangminthang alias Remix (18), Pvt Paoneithang alias Alex (18), Pvt Hemminlian alias Alien (17), Pvt Sazen alias Sioion (22), Pvt Chaandan alias Kiran (19), Pvt Prabhajoy alias Romon (26), Pvt Sehjanmang alias Vicky (23), Pvt Thangngul alias Kason (25), Pvt Lunlam alias Andrew (18), Pvt Lalneo alias Nan C (18), Pvt Lhunsiem alias LK Robert (52), Pvt Thanglal alias Cris (22), Pvt Lunpi alias Stalone (26), Pvt Seipu alias Baba (42), Pvt Johnte alias Tucker (18), Pvt Hencha alias William (19), Pvt Papao alias Ronald (26), Pvt Manggougin alias Stephen (30), Pvt Nehgin alias Gugun (30), Pvt Minthang alias Mimin (23), Pvt Mangminelen alias Amos (40), Pvt Lunneisang alias Awin (23), Pvt Kampu alias Wilsong (35), Pvt Daniel alias Vikas (20), Pvt Munlun alias Denies (21) and Pvt Boipu alias Cacon.
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