A total of 20 militants belonging to different proscribed insurgent groups in Manipur on Tuesday laid down arms in Imphal.
They surrendered before Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh in a “Homecoming Ceremony” organized at the banquet hall of 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion in Imphal.
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Of the 20 militants, 16 belonged to Thadou People’s Liberation Army (TPLA), two were from UNLF, and one each from PLA and PREPAK (Pro), police said.
The rebels deposited a huge cache of weapons which included an AK-56 Rifle, one M-15 Rifle, one MK-33 Rifle, one Uzi SMG, one Lethod gun, one Glock 19 pistol, six 9mm pistols, two .32 pistols, one .22 pistol and 75 assorted ammunitions.
“In another major achievement of our BJP-led government, altogether 20 militants from different proscribed outfits have surrendered with arms and ammunition to the government,” Singh tweeted.
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Speaking at the event, chief minister Singh said that the state would help the militants live a dignified life and ensure that they have suitable means of livelihood.
He also urged all the members of different armed outfits to come to the negotiating table and join the mainstream.
“Peace is very essential to achieve progress and development,” added Singh.
The surrendered militants will be given one-time assistance of Rs 4 lakh each and a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 each during their stay at rehabilitation camps for three years, he said in a Facebook post.
Singh said that the surrendered militants will also receive job-oriented skill development training.