DIMAPUR— As many as 39 Adivasi People's Liberation Army (APLA) cadres laid down their arms before the Assam Rifles and Assam Police at Bokajan Police Station on Friday.
The arms laying down ceremony was held in the presence of DIG of 6 Sector Assam Rifles, Brigadier SK Shukla, and Assam Police IGP (Central Range), Devojyoti Mukherjee, along with other police and army officials.
During the ceremony, Brig. Shukla, said the personnel of Spear Corps have always endeavored towards impressing the misguided youth, who have chosen the path of insurgency, to return into the mainstream, which in turn promotes peace and harmony in the region.
Shukla said the Assam Rifles under the aegis of inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and Spear Corps in collaboration with Assam Police successfully pursued the homecoming of 39 active cadres of APLA under Operation Samarpan.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He informed that the APLA cadres laid down a total of 31 weapons, including three AK series rifles, 19 pistols, five other rifles, two grenades and assorted live ammunition.
While complimenting the youth for their decision, he urged upon all those who have chosen the wrong path to return into the mainstream and live a happy and peaceful life.
While interacting with media persons, Sahil Munda, the former commander-in-chief of APLA, said that outfit was initially formed for advocating the development and welfare of the Adivasi community, which also included the demand for recognizing them as Scheduled Tribe (ST).
He further revealed that the Assam government has responded positively to their demands and given commitment to address them following their surrender.
Munda informed that out of the total 125 cadres in the APLA, 69 have already laid down their arms voluntarily. He added that they would appeal to the Assam government to release some of their cadres who were presently incarcerated.