Staff reporter GUWAHATI, Sept 30 – The United Liberation Front of Barak Valley today formally laid down arms after leading a seven-year struggle spread over three districts of Assam. A total of 305 cadres and leaders surrendered in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi that was organised by the Assam Police.
The extremists surrendered a range of weapons and ammunition, including semi automatic weapons and small arms.
The Assam Government has assured the surrendered extremists that their demands would be seriously considered and they would get the scope to lead lives of dignity. While they would be provided with support to lead gainful lives in the days ahead, after three years they would become eligible to receive a grant of Rs 1.5 lakh each.
Speaking on the occasion, the State Chief Minister said that today was indeed a happy occasion for both the extremists and society at large. “It has once again been established that the path of violence brings no gain to anyone.” Appreciating the efforts of the extremists and their leaders in seeing reason, Gogoi hoped that other extremist groups should also come forward to join the mainstream, and thus bring peace and prosperity to the region.
Stating that more and more extremist outfits of the State were renouncing violence, he hoped that the ULFA too would realise the value of taking part in peace parleys. He lauded the efforts of the Assam police in helping bring extremists to surrender and lead normal lives.
The president of the United Liberation Front of Barak Valley, Pancharam Apeto, explaining the reasons for taking to arms said that it was the dismal condition of tribals living in the districts of Barak valley that compelled him and others to embrace the path of peace. He hoped that after the surrender of all cadres the State Government would take steps to help develop the region, which lacked even basic health care and educational opportunities.
State DGP, RN Mathur underlining the positive aspect of today’s surrender said that it was a good sign for the state and its people. He said that although the extremist outfit had not carried out any serious acts of violence, its return to peace was a welcome development. He said that his department would take suitable steps towards the rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres.
Addressing the gathering, Khagen Sarma, IGP (SB) claimed that the number of militants belonging to various outfits in recent years is growing. Several thousand militants have surrendered, of which 8,626 have been rehabilitated through Government initiatives.
Among those attending were Minister for Border Areas Gautam Roy, Principal Secretary Home and Political, Subhash Das, and GoC 21 Mtn Division Chandra Prakash. source: assam tribune
The extremists surrendered a range of weapons and ammunition, including semi automatic weapons and small arms.
The Assam Government has assured the surrendered extremists that their demands would be seriously considered and they would get the scope to lead lives of dignity. While they would be provided with support to lead gainful lives in the days ahead, after three years they would become eligible to receive a grant of Rs 1.5 lakh each.
Speaking on the occasion, the State Chief Minister said that today was indeed a happy occasion for both the extremists and society at large. “It has once again been established that the path of violence brings no gain to anyone.” Appreciating the efforts of the extremists and their leaders in seeing reason, Gogoi hoped that other extremist groups should also come forward to join the mainstream, and thus bring peace and prosperity to the region.
Stating that more and more extremist outfits of the State were renouncing violence, he hoped that the ULFA too would realise the value of taking part in peace parleys. He lauded the efforts of the Assam police in helping bring extremists to surrender and lead normal lives.
The president of the United Liberation Front of Barak Valley, Pancharam Apeto, explaining the reasons for taking to arms said that it was the dismal condition of tribals living in the districts of Barak valley that compelled him and others to embrace the path of peace. He hoped that after the surrender of all cadres the State Government would take steps to help develop the region, which lacked even basic health care and educational opportunities.
State DGP, RN Mathur underlining the positive aspect of today’s surrender said that it was a good sign for the state and its people. He said that although the extremist outfit had not carried out any serious acts of violence, its return to peace was a welcome development. He said that his department would take suitable steps towards the rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres.
Addressing the gathering, Khagen Sarma, IGP (SB) claimed that the number of militants belonging to various outfits in recent years is growing. Several thousand militants have surrendered, of which 8,626 have been rehabilitated through Government initiatives.
Among those attending were Minister for Border Areas Gautam Roy, Principal Secretary Home and Political, Subhash Das, and GoC 21 Mtn Division Chandra Prakash. source: assam tribune
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