By Saraswat Kashyap: As many as 37 militants surrendered on Friday and laid down their arms to Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Manipur’s Imphal. Of the 37 Manipur-based militants, 36 belonged to the Chin Kuki Liberation Army (CKLA), and one was from the PREPAK (PRO).
The militants deposited four AK series rifles, one 0.22 rifle, one 303 rifle, one single barrel, one carbine, four pistols, two hand grenades and over 540 live rounds of assorted ammunition.
The surrender ceremony was held at the Manipur Rifles in Imphal town. Addressing the event, CM N Biren Singh said, “I appreciate and welcome all 37 cadres of both the underground groups for their decision to return to the mainstream by laying down their arms.”
“With more insurgents joining the mainstream, our efforts to bring progress back to the state by convincing those who chose the path of bloodshed to return to the mainstream and work for the development of the state, while having faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, are gaining traction,” added N Biren Singh.
He further said, “I am confident that we will continue to bring peace and tranquillity to the hill state.”
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BENEFITS FOR SURRENDERED MILITANTS
The revised scheme of surrender-cum-rehabilitation programme of militants in the northeastern states includes a one-time financial grant of Rs 4 lakh, which is to be retained in the accounts as fixed deposits for a period of three years. Along with a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 per cadre, incentives are also provided.
The surrendered militants need to stay in a rehabilitation camp for at least three years before returning to their original homes.
