68 militants surrender in Manipur

  Newmai News Network  Imphal | August 14   A total of 68 militants from different outfits surrendered with arms before Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the “Homecoming Ceremony” held today at the Banquet Hall of the 1st Manipur Rifles in Imphal.   The names of outfits with their respective number of surrendered cadres are 17 UNLF, 7 RPF/PLA cadres, 10 PREPAK cadres, 7 PREPAK(Progressive) cadres, 4 KYKL cadres, 10 KCP(N) cadres, 1 KCP(W) cadre, 1 KCP(MJC) cadre, 5 KCP(KM) cadres, 5 KCP(MC) cadres and 1 KCP(KK Mangang) cadre.   Speaking on the occasion, the Manipur Chief Minister lauded the “bold step” taken by the militants, who left their homes for many years, to shun violence and to join the “path of peace and prosperity which would help progress and development” in the State. “Violence wouldn’t bring any solution to any issue but it will rather create bloodshed among us”, Biren added. He also said that any issue can be resolved through political dialogues or talks.   Calling it as the achievement of the new government, Biren Singh praised the surrendered cadres for joining the mainstream after having faith in the new government.   N Biren Singh then stressed that the previous surrender policy designed for militants was a total failure, and that, the policy needed to be reviewed. The newly introduced revised ‘Surrender cum Rehabilitation Policy’ for the surrendered militants is waiting for the final approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the Chief Minister disclosed. He mentioned that a Nodal Officer would be appointed to look after the needs and problems of those militants who have surrendered to the government.   The Chief Minister assured that the government would extend every possible help for the protection of the lives of the families of those who laid down the arms to join the mainstream. He further mentioned that the government is committed to protect the fundamental right to life and dignity of those who have returned to normal lives. He believed that more would come out to join the “mainstream” and re-unite with their families.   Biren Singh maintained that we all should work sincerely and honestly with co-operation to protect and safeguard the integrity of Manipur as well as India. Only then peace and prosperity would prevail in the State, he added.   He said that Manipur has the potential to become the top State of the country. In the next 10-15 years, people would witness a change in the State in terms of progress and development. Mentioning the unique scenic beauty, rich culture and tradition of the State, Chief Minister believed that Manipur has a lot to offer in terms of tourism and culture where people including tourists and investors from different countries would be attracted and explore the distinct and unexplored beauty of the region.   Among those surrounded militants, 4 were women cadres.   Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, Minister for Health and Family Welfare L. Jayantakumar Singh, Minister for CAF&PD K. Shyam, Minister for Education Th. Radheshyam, Minister for IFCD  Letpao Haokip, Minister for Agriculture V. Hangkhanlian, Chairman of Hill Areas Committee T.T. Haokip, Parliamentary Secretaries Dr. Sapam Ranjan, K. Robindro, Chief Secretary R. R. Rashmi, DGP L.M. Khaute, IGAR(South), IG CRPF, top civil and police officers attended the “homecoming ceremony”.