72 militants surrender in Manipur

Seventy-two militants across various rebel organisations surrendered at Mantriphukri in Imphal recently to return to the social mainstream.

Indoctrinated and misled by various militant groups on the pretext of a better life, the ‘militants’ instead got a life on the run.

Over the years, the security forces have been persuading their families to help them give up violence and lay down their arms.

Interacting with media persons, Major General UK Gurung of Assam Rifles South welcomed the move.

“The surrendered cadres have taken the right direction to join the mainstream and come to the peace process that is going on in the Manipur at this point of time,” he said.

The government and the security forces are willing to help in the rehabilitation of the militants.

Jin, a surrendered cadre said, “The security forces will provide us an identity card that will help us and prevent armed forces from detaining us.

Over the years, many insurgents have surrendered and are now leading happy lives with their families.

The surrendered militants, who also laid down a huge cache of arms, belonged to United National Liberation Front, People’s Liberation Army, People’s United Liberation Front, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Karbi National Liberation Front and Kangleipak Communist Party.