‘Homecoming’: 15 Militants Surrender with Arms in Arunachal, CM Terms It ‘Historic’

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As many as 15 militants of the Eastern Naga National Government, including its president Tosha Mossang, surrendered before Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in Itanagar on Sunday.

As many as 15 militants of the Eastern Naga National Government, including its president Tosha Mossang, surrendered before Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the state capital Itanagar on Sunday.

The rebels surrendered with arms and ammunition during a homecoming ceremony organised at the police headquarters here, said officials.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state Home Minister Bamang Felix, Major General Vikas Lakhera from HQ IGAR (N), Brig Swarn Singh, Commander of HQ 25 Sector, state chief secretary Dharmendra and Director General of Police Satish Golchha were present at the function.

Terming the event as “historic”, Chief Minister Pema Khandu heaped praise on the combined offensive and negotiating efforts of Assam Rifles and state police in convincing the cadres to shun violence and join the national mainstream.

The surrender of the cadres was facilitated by the Assam Rifles under the aegis of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles, who convinced the militants to shun violence and lead a dignified life.

“Surrender of these active militants epitomizes the humane face of the Assam Rifles while working to maintain peace in the region,” said Khandu.

“Gun culture is not a solution to the problem. Today’s surrender is a positive move by the outfit to restore peace in the state and will motivate other groups of the region to join the mainstream,” he said.

Assuring the surrendered rebels of government support for their rehabilitation, Khandu said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is to restore peace in the Northeast. As a result, many rebel groups in the region have already started peace talks with the respective state governments and many have already joined the mainstream.

“We have an Underground Surrender policy and fund allocation to encourage misguided youth to shun violence and become partners of growth,” said the Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters, Felix said that ENNG has now become “almost non-existent” after the surrender of its chief along with 14 others.

Rohit Rajbir Singh, superintendent SIT, said, nine Chinese-made MQ series weapons, two AK-47 rifles, one Chinese-made pistol, 19 magazines, 415 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, five rounds of 9mm pistol, four Chinese grenades, one under-barrel launcher with fins and six walker talkies were deposited during the ceremony.

EASTERN NAGA NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

The outfit shot to prominence in January 2015 under its President Tosha Mossang. The purported aim of the outfit was to fight for the demands of Myanmar Eastern Nagas and the Nagas of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts, said Singh.

Its cadres were involved in extortion from various business establishments, coal and timber traders, contractors and public representatives. Cases of waging war against the state, murder and attempt to murder have been registered against members of the outfit, said the SP.

ENNG cadres were active in Longding and Changlang districts of the state and set up a camp near Lungpang village under Rima-Putok circle in Changlang district, which was demolished by security forces recently.

Singh said around 20-25 cadres have been active in the organization through different periods and have sophisticated arms.

In the last few weeks, seven rebels of the outfit were apprehended by the joint action of police and security forces in the operative region along with arms, Singh said.

Source; Indiatoday