68 militants surrender on eve of Independence Day in Manipur

Chief minister Biren Singh promised that the new government will protect and provide necessary assistance to those who joined the mainstream.

Sixty-eight militants, including four women, along with a huge cache of assorted weapons such as AK series assault rifles, surrendered here on Monday before Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also said a nodal officer will be engaged to look into the grievances of those who joined the mainstream. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

The militants surrendered at the Home Coming Ceremony in the parade ground of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles.

Biren Singh promised that the new government will protect and provide necessary assistance to those who joined the mainstream. Stating that the newly framed state policy has been sent to the Centre for its approval, the chief minister appealed to those who wanted to join the mainstream to come forward. “Violence cannot solve any problem. Dialogue is the only out.”

Stating that the state needs peace, he said, “Our state will be one of the most developed state considering our talents, natural resources and it’s scenic beauties if we abjure violence and join the mainstream.”

He also assured that a nodal officer will be engaged to look into the grievances of those who joined the mainstream.

Those who joined the mainstream include 23 from Kangleipak Communist Party,17 United National Liberation Front,10 People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak,8 People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Pro),7 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and 4 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, according to DGP Manipur LM Khaute. They deposited some arms and ammunitions including AK 47 rifle, M 16, Lethod bomb and pistols.

(With inputs from PTI)