20 Cadres from different outfits surrender in Manipur

IMPHAL:

20 cadres from different underground outfits laid down their arms before the Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh on March 9, during a homecoming ceremony organised by the State Home Department.

16 cadres from Thadou People’s Liberation Army (TPLA), two from United National Liberation Front (UNLF), one each from People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak PREPAK (Pro) surrendered along with one AK-56 rifle, one M-15 rifle, one MK-33 rifle, one Uzi SMG, one Lathod gun, one Glock 19 pistol, six 9 mm pistols, two.32 pistols, one.22 pistol and 75 assorted ammunition.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Biren Singh said that the central government development policy for the Northeastern states has witnessed a sea change ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power.

“The central government under the leadership of Narendra Modi has been constantly working towards bringing the development of NE States at par with other States of the country, and people of the region should acknowledge and appreciate it,” Singh said.

Appreciating the cadres for their decision to give up on arms, the CM assured the government will help them in leading a dignified life and having a suitable means of livelihood.

Speaking on the future course of action for the surrendered cadres, the CM said, “The state now has a comprehensive Surrender cum Rehabilitation scheme under which they would get different rehabilitation benefits.”

He also urged all the members of different armed outfits to come to the negotiating table and join the mainstream, stating that peace is very essential to achieve progress and development.

Maintaining that Manipur is now on the path of development, with hundreds of youth contributing in economic growth through entrepreneurship in the past four years, the Chief Minister pointed out that all these were possible because of restoration of peace in the State.

Meanwhile, several MLAs, civil servants, top officials from the police, army and paramilitary forces were also present at the homecoming ceremony.

Notably, under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs scheme for Surrender-Cum Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States, rehabilitation benefits are given to the surrendered cadres, including a one-time financial grant of ₹ 4 lakh to each cadre and a monthly stipend of ₹ 6,000 for three years.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)