Guwahati: As many as 31 members of various Manipur insurgent groups gave up their weapons and joined the mainstream on Wednesday in Imphal.
The chief minister of Manipur N Biren Singh welcomed them into society and gave them praise for it during a ceremony held on the grounds of the 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles.
CM Biren Singh said, “I extend a hearty welcome to the 31 cadres of different UG groups for laying down their arms during a homecoming ceremony at 1 MR Banquet Hall, Imphal today.”
“It is my firm belief that many more will return to the mainstream and join the work to build a progressive Manipur,” he added.
The chief minister of Manipur also said that the state will help any militant groups’ reintegration into society by holding talks with them.
Additionally, CM Singh urged the security agencies to work with the state administration in reintegrating the members of such underground insurgent groups into society.
The 31 cadres who turned themselves in included 17 from the KCP (PWG), 4 from the UNLF, 6 from PREPAK, 3 from KYKL and 1 from PREPAK.
The Manipur Chief Minister received weapons from the surrendered cadres during the ceremony including one M16 rifle, one M4 carbine, one Lathod gun, one single-barrel rifle, seven 0.32mm pistols, three 0.22mm pistols and one 0.12mm bore pistol, as well as five cartridges, three Lathod shells, one IED and three live rounds.