68 militants joins mainstream in Manipur

[caption id="attachment_132546" align="alignleft" width="550"] Manipur chief minister N Biren singh welcoming the surrendered militants during a homecoming ceremony in Imphal on Monday.[/caption] Our Correspondent Imphal, August 14 (EMN): Sixty eight militants including four women belonging to six underground groups in Manipur joined the mainstream during a home coming ceremony in Imphal on the eve of 71st Independence Day of the country on Monday. Those who joined the mainstream include 23 from Kangleipak Communist Party,17 United National Liberation Front,10 People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, eight People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Pro),seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and four Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, according to DGP Manipur LM Khaute. They deposited some arms and ammunitions including AK 47 rifle, M 16, Lethod bomb and pistols etc. Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister N Biren assured that his government will protect and provide necessary assistance to those who joined the mainstream. Informing that the newly framed state surrendered policy has been sent to centre for its approval, he appealed to those who wanted to join the mainstream to come forward as violence wouldn’t bring any solution to any issue but it will rather create bloodshed among us. Lauding the bold step taken by the militants, who left their homes for more many years, to shun violence and to join the path of peace and prosperity which would help progress and development in the state, he said any issue can be resolved through political dialogue or talks. Stating that the state needs peace, he said, “Our state will be one of the most developed state considering our talents, natural resources and it’s scenic beauties if we abjure violence and join the mainstream.” He also assured that one nodal officer will be engaged to look after the grievances of those who joined the mainstream. Former senior leader of the banned PLA known as Jame who attended the homecoming ceremony expressed that introduction of ceasefire with the outfits, followed by political dialogue will bring the ultimate solutions. Some of the surrendered underground members also shared their feelings during the home coming ceremony. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh, Ministers L Jayantakumar (health), K Shyam (CAF&PD), Th. Radheshyam (Education), Letpao Haokip (IFCD), V Hangkhanlian (Agriculture), Hill Areas Committee Chairman TT Haokip, Parliamentary Secretaries Dr Sapam Ranjan, K Robindro, MLA O Lukhoi, Chief Secretary R R Rashmi and other top ranking police and Assam Rifles officers attended the homecoming ceremony.