13 UGs surrender to Army in CCpur
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 26 2009: Thirteen cadres from four militant organisations of the North-East have laid down arms and formally surrendered to the Army authority at the Headquarters of 3 (Naga Hills) Assam Rifles located at Headquarter Veng in Churachandpur today under the aegis of 57 Mountain Division.

Five cadres of newly floated KYKL (MDF), four cadres of UKLA (MC), two cadres of NC-Hill based DHD (J), one cadre of PREPAK, and one UPPK cadre have surrendered today.

Significantly, the historic surrender ceremony marks the end of two underground groups - the splinter group of DHD (J) and the UKLA (MC) - which were beginning to enlarge their support base.

This is the third major instance of militants surrendering to the 57 Mountain Division during the last four months.

64 cadres of Sinlung Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLA) had surrendered in July in Mizoram while 19 cadres of Dima Halam Daogah-Jewel Garlossa (DHD-J) had surrendered in September at Churachandpur.

Members of KYKL (MDF) surrendering to GOC 57 Mtn Div, Maj Gen Shati Gurung

The official surrendering ceremony was graced by Major General Shakti Gurung, VSM, GOC 57 Mountain Division as the chief guest.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Brigadier Rajeev Pant, Commander 27 Sector AR, GB Sharma, SP of Churachandpur, and ADC of Churachandpur.

Lauding the decision of the cadres in coming up for surrender, Maj Gen Shakti Gurung assured the surrendered cadres that the State Government would be approached so that avenues and assistances are provided to them to facilitate their return to the mainstream.

Maj Gen Shakti Gurung appreciated the efforts of Headquarters 27 Sector AR and 3 (NH) AR for the humane approach being adopted while conducting operation.

Saying that the path of violence will not lead to a solution, the Red Shield Commander extended a warm welcome to anyone willing to surrender.

Maj Gen Gurung observed that with the surrender of two cadres of the splinter group of DHD (J) and the surrender of their leader along with five cadres in Guwahati on October 21, the entire splinter group of DHD (J) has been brought overground.

He further noted that the surrender of the four UKLA (MC) cadres has also resulted in the end of the group with the reports of the merger of the group with ZRA.

Army authorities anticipated that more such surrenders are likely to take place in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Saveit Langthasa, a surrendered cadre of the splinter group of DHD (J), said he was misguided to take up arms.

He got disillusioned over a period of time and realised that the path of violence is neither good for them nor for the society.

The surrender was orchestrated by the 27 Sector AR under 57 Mountain Division after prolonged talks on rehabilitation and avenues open to them after surrender.

One Rocket Launcher, one lethod gun, two AK series rifles, one M-16 rifle, seven pistols, gelatin sticks, one Palm Top, five mobile phones and several ammunitions were laid down by the surrendered militants.