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Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 1(EMN): Fourteen cadres of a militant outfit operating in Manipur on Wednesday laid down arms before Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a homecoming ceremony organised at the banquet hall of 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion in Imphal.
The cadres belonging to the United Tribal Liberation Army (James) with its chairman Tonthang Singsit handed over two HK-33 rifles, one AK Rifle, one A1 rifle, one A2 rifle, three single barrel rifles and three small arms along with one Chinese hand grenade, 18 gelatin sticks, 18 detonators and assorted ammunition.
Welcoming the move of the cadres while speaking at the ceremony, N Biren Singh said that violence couldn’t bring a lasting solution and appealed to all the people who have taken such a path to return to the mainstream and lead a normal life.
‘For those who want homecoming, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already announced publicly that except those who were involved in heinous crime, everyone should be exempted from any kind of case or FIRs so that they can lead a normal life. As a Chief Minister let me work as a mediator,’ he said.
Informing that there will be development only when there is peace, he said that in the last five years, the state had witnessed a rapid growth in development in various fields due to improvement in law and order. The state would be able to cope with other states only when there is inclusive development, he added.
Referring to the rehabilitation scheme for surrendered militants in Northeast states which was revised in 2018, he said that people who surrender and lay down their weapons can avail benefits under the scheme which includes one-time financial grant of INR 4 lakh to each surrendered cadre and monthly stipend of INR 6000 per person for three years.
They will also be given time to wean in a rehabilitation centre for three years, along with the chance to take up vocational training on any skills of their choice.
In March last year, 20 rebels from different militant outfits including 16 belonging to Thadou People’s Liberation Army laid down arms before the government.
Four ministers -- L Sushindro(Consumers affairs),Letpao Haokip(Tribal affairs),Nemcha Kipgen(Cooperation),Kh Vashum(Animal husbandry)-- 12 MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, and various top civil, police and military officials were present in the day’s homecoming ceremony.