Imphal, March 13: Nine cadres of six different UG groups formally surrendered along with a large number of arms and ammunition before the Commander of 3 Corps, Lt Gen ZU Shah today at the HQs of Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) at Mantripukhri.

Of the nine surrendered cadres three belong to UNLF, two to PLA, one each to PREPAK, KCP, KRA and KNF (P).

The three UNLF cadres identified as Thokchom Nanao alias Nganba of Moirang, Naorem Laijangba of Pukhao Ahalup Makha Leikai and Ravi Kumar of Kwatha surrendered with three carbines and two magazines.

The PLA cadres who are identified as Rishi Kanta alias Shashi Kanta of Thoubal Lourembam and Md Senaibai surrendered along with one AK 47 rifle, one hand grenade, RS kenwwod, one 9 mm pistol and a huge amount of ammunition.

The cadre of PREPAK identified as Y Basanta of Imphal East gave up a carbine (US made) and a magazine, KCP man known as K Mantri of Kakching Khunou also gave up a carbine while K Singson alias Zimi of KRA and Thanoupou alias Thangboy of KNF (P) both belonging to Churachandpur surrendered along with one 9 mm pistol each.

Welcoming the surrendered youths, Lt Gen ZU Shah remarked that their act of shunning violence and joining the mainstream is more courageous than engaging in violent activities.

Except for one who surrendered on October 7, 2004, all the cadres laid down their arms before the AR authorities on different dates since February 25 this year, he mentioned.

Shah also expressed optimism that the State Government would extend all possible rehabilitation schemes to these surrendered militants while maintaining that peace would be restored in the State.

One surrendered PLA cadre remarked "There is nothing to gain at all in joining the UG outfits except for engaging in violent activities, extortions etc." Apprehensive of reprisals, all the surrendered cadres were masked in today's surrender function.

The programme organised with the initiatives of IG AR (S), Maj Gen BS Ghotra in conjunction with 1st Raising Day of HQ IG AR was named 'Home Coming Ceremony' which was attended by many top officials of the State police, CRPF, AR and Army.

Asserting that Army abides by all the laws concerning human rights, Shah further rejected the allegations of molestation of a housewife by one Army personnel on the night of March 9 at Ningthoukhong.

On the other hand, it is reported that the State Cabinet has resolved to institute judicial inquiries into the alleged sexual harassment of M Naobi by Thoubal police commandos and the alleged mass in Churachandpur by UG cadres.

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