Barely one week after the laying down of weapons to Brig NN Madappa, DIG, Nagaland Range (North), Assam Rifles by thirteen underground cadres belonging to both factions of the NSCN, FGN and UNLF on 13 April at Nagaland's Tuensang district, another fourteen underground cadres from different underground factions bidding farewell to arms in another surrendered ceremony organized inside the camp of the 27 Assam Rifles at Medziphema, 44 kms away from here on Saturday.
The fourteen cadres including four women-five from NSCN (K), four from NSCN (IM), one from FGN, three from UPFA and one from ULFA-surrendered their arms and ammunitions that included four carbines, one M 21 rifle, three revolvers, five 9 MM pistols, eight hand grenades and over 200 rounds of assorted ammunitions-before Commanding Officer of the 27 Assam Rifles, Col HS Sahi.
During the surrendered ceremony, which has been organized under the aegis of the HQ 5 Sector/IGAR (N), the surrendered cadres were given incentives as per the rehabilitation scheme of the security forces. Two cadres were rehabilitated by the 27 AR earlier.
Welcoming the cadres for returning to the mainstream, Col Sahi lauded their bold steps and determination to become law abiding citizens of the country. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the GBs, village chairmen and elders of the area for encouraging the cadres to join the mainstream.
Those present during the ceremony included SP Dimapur, PF Zeliang, SDO © Medziphema Wezepe Kenye, Chakhro Public Organization President Keviyani Angami, Angami Youth Organization President Thepfuselie. Altogether 86 underground cadres have surrendered since December last in Nagaland.
Both factions of the NSCN are currently having cease-fire agreements with the Government of India.NSCN (IM) had entered truce pact with the Governmentof India in July 25, 1997 and the truce became effective from August 1, 1997. And the ongoing truce pact is due to expire on 31st of this year and with all probability, the truce expected to extend for another one year. The truce pact between the Government of India and Khaplang faction of the NSCN also came into force since April 28, 2001 and is expiring this month. It is also expected to extend for another one year.
Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir has been urging upon the Government of India to start political negotiation with the NSCN (K), besides demanding to include other underground groups, NNC to the peace process. He has all along been stating that having political dialogue with one faction will never bring durable and permanent settlement to the aged old Naga political problem.
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