Wednesday, December 23, 2009

20 militants lay down arms in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR: Ten NSCN (I-M) rebels, along with six Ulfa and four All Adivasi National Liberation Army militants, have laid down arms before security
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forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district bordering Myanmar.

Sources said the militants surrendered on Monday in a simple ceremony organized by 19 Assam Rifles at Khonsa in presence of district police officials. The weapons deposited include seven pistols, a revolver, three 9mm carbines, a Chinese-made .22 rifle, two grenades, as many radio sets and a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

Brigadier JS Negi felicitated the surrendered cadres for their "bold and wise decision" to join the mainstream. He added that return of a large number of militants was an indicator that operations by security forces coupled with psychological initiatives were paying dividends.

Reiterating the commitment of security forces towards the well-being of misguided youths and their families, Negi said efforts would be made to assist them in their rehabilitation. He added that a rehabilitation centre has been commissioned at Dinjan Military Station for surrendered ultras.

On August 7, the Assam Rifles had organized a surrender ceremony at Khonsa, where 28 cadres of various outfits surrendered. The ceremony was a landmark event in generating goodwill for security forces and effected a change in perception among youths belonging to underground outfits operating in the North-East.