Ex-chairman of PREPAK, 58 cadres of 3 groups lay down arms
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 15 2014: Chief Minister O Ibobi has categorically stated that there is no place for violence in any civilized society.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a home coming ceremony held at 1st MR banquet hall where 58 cadres and leaders of three different UG groups laid down arms in a bid to join the mainstream.

While condemning the bomb blast, Ibobi maintained that bomb blast should be not interpreted as the Government's failure to maintain law and order.

Such violent incidents happen in many advanced countries too, he said.

Apart from Chief Minister O Ibobi , the home coming ceremony was attended by Home Minister Gaikhangam, Manipur Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr Ng Bijoy, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, Principal Secretary (Home) J Suresh Babu and DGP Shahid Ahmed.

The cadres at the laying down arms function

The UG leaders and cadres who surrendered today included former Chairman of PREPAK A Nabachandra and former finance secretary of the same outfit Chinglen Meitei, 37 cadres of KCP (KK Nganba Group) including Chairman Chongtham Manlemjao.

They brought along 31 assorted weapons including sixteen 9 mm pistols, five AK 47 rifles, four 7.65mm pistols, two carbines and one number each of lethod gun, M16 assault rifle, Uzi and Beretta pistol and a large number of ammunition.

After formally laying down the arms and ammunition, the surrendered UG leaders and cadres signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government.

19 cadres of KCP Nongdrenkhomba who were left out when a similar Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the State Government on September 9 last year also turned up at the home coming ceremony.

They surrendered 17 assorted weapons along with ammunition and four hand grenades.

Giving the key note address of the ceremony, J Suresh Babu said that the home coming ceremony was being held to welcome back those who took the wrong path.

Bringing back all the misguided youth to the mainstream is crucial in order to ensure that there is peace and development in the State, he said.

The State Government has taken up various measures to support former UG cadres who have shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream.

Designated camps of various UG groups which have signed MoU and SoO are being constructed for proper rehabilitation of all the former cadres.

They are also provided Rs 4000 every month.

Speaking at the ceremony, O Ibobi remarked that many former militants have returned to the mainstream as they realized that violence would not bring any solution to the myriad issues of the State.

They have now realized that all the issues can be resolved only through peaceful dialogue with the Government.

Noting that repealing AFSPA, implementation of ILPS and protection of the State's integrity are some major issues of the State, Ibobi asserted that all these issues can be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue.

If necessary, the State Government would approach the Centre to resolve these issues at the earliest.

There is no place in the world where development and violence co-exist.

Referring to the MG Avenue bomb blast, Ibobi averred that those who carried out the blast are the ones the who don't like peace to take root on the soil of Manipur.

Nonetheless, he appealed to all militants who are yet to return to the mainstream to come forward for dialogue.

The Government has its doors always open for dialogue with all militant groups.

The State Government would take up all measures needed for rehabilitation of the former militants apart from initiating several other schemes for the welfare of the unemployed youth.

In spite of the Central Government's strong objection, the State Government has repealed Armed Forces Special Powers Act from seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipal Council and the State has convinced the Centre Government that these areas can be looked after by the State police.

The State Government is also looking forward to revocation of AFSPA from all over the State but what reply would the State Government give to the Centre if unwanted incidents like extortion and bomb blast go on unabated, questioned the Chief Minister.

He also appealed to all who were left behind for a talk for peaceful solution and for a transparent talk to bring peace and development in the State.

Gaikhangam said that people have different opinions and they have the right express their opinions freely in a democratic country like India.

"We should try to solve our problems using non-violent means and methods", Gaikhangam exhorted.

He appreciated the decision of the former cadres to shun violence and join the mainstream for peaceful and fruitful life ahead.

A Nabachandra, former Chairman of Prepak, said that he decided to join the mainstream after he lost confidence in the armed movement following establishment of several small militant groups.

He also stated that those who have joined the mainstream can work together with their diverse skills for the State's development.

The only way for bringing changes and development is political means, he said.

Ch Manglemjao Chairman of KCP KK Nganba group said that the Government is a parent figure to every citizen.

No parent want their child to go in the wrong direction.

It was the assurance given to them by the Government which brought them to the mainstream.

He also expressed gratitude to the Principal Secretary (Home) and 40 Assam Rifles for providing a place to stay during the past before singing the MOU today.

Nongdrenkhomba, Chairman KCP (Nongdrenkhomba group) said that his party is prepared for a dialogue and hoped that the charter of demands it submitted to the Government of India and the State Government are fulfilled.

The decision of the party to come to the negotiating table was not guided by any intention to extract any kind of benefits for the cadres or the leaders, he added.