40 militants surrender in Manipur

Imphal, Oct 28 (ANI): Around 40 insurgents belonging to the United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) laid down their arms under a special programme called 'Suspension of Operation' here on Thursday.

Appreciating their initiative, the Commandant of 46 Assam Rifles, Colonel Vikas Chawla, said this step would restore much needed peace and stability in the region.

"The president and the general secretary of the group announce the historic decision to shun the violence and join the peace initiative. The group was raised to protect the interest of the community, however they realised that the arms struggle is not the solution and have now finally decided to come home," said Chawla.

"I greet Mr Izeal (President of UTLA) and Mr Sehjahao (General Secretary) along with their cadres and wish them all the luck and prosperity in near future. The leadership of the group has understood the peace moves and advantages of coming home," he added.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that the state government would provide rehabilitation packages to these militants to ensure them a decent lifestyle after surrender.

"I would like to assure that our peace initiative for would be duly honored and the government would make its best possible efforts to redress the grievances brought to its notice," said Singh.

During the surrender ceremony president of the UTLA, Izeal said that the group believed that the Indian government always neglected the tribals of the northeast.

"The people of United Tribal Liberation Army have one thing in mind that tribals are neglected by Indians actually. From the beginning we are neglected and we aim that the tribal group especially in the northeast to be united and stand as one in the country. That is what our motive in the beginning was," said Izeal.

However, the UTLA president also added that there are many more militants who hold different opinion and have not surrendered yet but hopes that they would understand the importance of peace soon.

The group has already submitted their charter of demands to the both state and central government.

According to security officials, over 50 militants have surrendered in the past four months.

The government is offering the militants various post-surrender rehabilitation packages to lure them to join the mainstream. (ANI)