LEIMAKHONG, June 27 � Close on the heels of the recent controversial surrender ceremony, 33 militants laid down their weapons and surrendered to Army authorities in Manipur today.
The surrendered militants have handed over 13 AK-47 Rifles along with magazines, 11 pistols and ammunition to the General Officer Commanding of 57 Mountain Division Major General DS Hooda and DGP Manipur Y Joykumar during a home coming ceremony here at the army headquarter, 25 km north of the State capital.
Self-styled Commander in Chief Molum Anal Mate alias Jakei, of Pakhan Revolutionary Army (PRA) and 21 cadres along with eight NSCN (K) cadres, 2 NSCN (IM) cadres and one FGN/NNC cadre were also felicitated during the gathering which was attended by soldiers of 46 Assam Rifles,17 JAK Rifles, 3 Mahar and 11 Assam Rifles.
�Today�s step will definitely encourage and I hope more and more groups will come forward to make the State peaceful�, DGP Joykumar while speaking on the occasion said. �Things have changed now, police also can give attention to certain development works unlike the past.�
The DGP lauding the GOC DS Hooda led Army authority�s effort to maintain law and order situation of the State, said that they are also expecting more valley- based groups will come out and joine the mainstream.
Expressing happiness to be part of the homecoming ceremony, GOC Hooda also assured that all necessary assistance of the rehabilitation process will be provided. �The State also has an excellent rehabilitation package�, he said and added that the situation in the State has improved today.
PRA Commander in Chief Molum told reporters that the main objective of forming the outfit is to reorganise and unite seven different tribes � Anal, Chothe, Lamkang, Moyon, Monshang, Maring and Tarao.
PRA Commander in Chief Molum said their objective is to reorganise and unite the above seven tribes. On the homecoming he said, �We believe that we will get a solution after discussing the issue with the government,�.
Recently, a Delhi-based news magazine Tehelka has termed the Assam Rifles sponsored homecoming ceremony of 40 People�s United People�s Liberation Front cadres as a fake surrender ceremony.
Meanwhile, two People�s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak cadres also surrendered along with two 9 mm pistols to Assam Rifles on June 25, PRO Assam Rifles said in press release here today.
