The 16 undergrounds who surrendered include three cadres of the UNLF, two of PREPAK(S), one of KYKL (Oken), one KCP (Noyon), four of Pakan Revolutionary Army, two from UTLA and three PULF cadres. The weapons laid down by the militant cadres include six AK Rifles, two M-16 Rifles, one each of US made Carbine and Lathode, three 9 mm Pistols, one each of Pt 32 mm Pistol, Pt 38 mm Revolver and M-22 Pistol and a large amount of ammunitions.
Speaking at the surrender ceremony, the DGP Y Joy Kumar welcomed the youth to the mainstream of the civil society. “The peaceful surrender of these cadres with arms would definitely be a guiding beacon for other misled youths to follow the suit, paving way for peace and harmony in the state”, he said.
The DGP has also assured all help and facilities which can be provided by the state government under the state’s existing surrender policy to the surrendered cadres.
Maj Gen CA Krishnan, mentioned that more and more misled youths are being encouraged to abjure violence, lay down arms and join the mainstream and added that altogether 182 militants cadres had surrendered till April 2011, that included 122 KCP Lalumba cadres.
He further stated that of the total surrendered cadres so far 70 cadres have been housed at the state rehabilitation centres after proper verification. While process is in full swing to house the remaining cadres, he informed.
The surrendered cadres have also been provided with vocational trainings of different forms ranging from handicrafts to electronic with the sole aim to help them lead a satisfactory life.
“Those who show courage and lay down arms require support from all sections of the society to help them reintegrate with the main stream”, he said while highlighting the need for all sections of the society to extend support to them.
The IGAR (South) further reiterated the commitment of Assam Rifles in ushering in an era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.
The surrendered militants have been identified as one Ningthoujam Joichandra alias Sangakpa Singh, 26, of Sugnu Thoubal a UNLF cadre (No.1988 l/cpl); Loitongbam Biramani alias Jadumani Singh, 26, of Moirang-a cadre of the KYKL (Oken) (No.505 s/s cpl); Tongbram Ibomcha alias Syamchand alias Rajesh Singh, 28, of Lamphel-a cadre of the PREPAK (S); Hemam Johnson alias Lambicha Singh, 21, of Moirang-a UNLF cadre (No.2127); Moirangthem Sunil alias Tampakngakpa Singh, 22, of Sugnu- a KCP (Noyon) cadre (No.396 l/cpl), Yengkhom Sanatomba Singh alias Lanthaba Meitei, 21, of Imphal East-a cadre of UNLF (No. 2119), they surrendered themselves to the 29 Assam Rifles.
Another eight cadres surrendered to the 31 Assam Rifles and they have been identified as Gigu Khan alias Chinglem, 21, of Bishenpur-a PULF (UF) cadre; s/s pvt. Nasir Khan, 19, of Bishenpur-a cadre of PULF (UF), s/s pvt. Ngouba Khan, 20, of Bishenpur a cadre of PULF (UF); s/s pvt. Abdul Khan, 24, of Bishenpur- a cadre of PREPAK (S) (No.306); s/s pvt. Angopa Moyon, 36, of Komlathabi, Chandel- a cadre of the PRA (0017); s/s pvt. Gilbertson Anal, 24, of Bishenpur- a cadre of PRA; s/s pvt. Monal Anal, 25, of Chakpikarong, Chandel- a cadre of PRA; s/s pvt. Jimmy Anal, 30, of Anal Khunou-a PRA cadre.
While the two UTLA cadre surrendered to the 22 Granadiers have been identified as one Thang Sian Moun alias Vikram, 18, of Moreh Ward No. 1 and Ginneilunun Vaiphei, 22, of Ward No.1 Moreh.
Meanwhile a statement of the PRO has stated that the homecoming of these youth is a result of persistent efforts by units of 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) in motivating their families and relatives to encourage the youth to give up weapons and join the mainstream. The ceremony was also attended by a large number of family members of the cadres and village elders added the statement.