A total of 63 cadres of 4 different militant groups, including ULFA(I), PDCK, DNLA and UPRF, joined the mainstream on Monday by laying down arms in Guwahati in the presence of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The arms laying down and surrender ceremony was organised at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakhetra Auditorium by the Home department of Assam government and Assam Police.

Sonowal has welcomed the cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and United People’s Revolutionary Front (UPLF), to the mainstream.

Assam CM Sonowal said the laying down of arms by the militant cadres is another step towards creating a terrorism-free Assam.

Also read: Assam: 63 militants belonging to 4 rebel outfits to lay down arms on Monday in Guwahati

Sonowal urged the members of the militant outfits to start a new journey of life and contribute towards the development of the state.

“Another significant step towards making a #TerrorismFreeAssam. I welcome the 63 members of ULFA(I), PDCK, DNLA & UPRF who joined the mainstream by laying down arms today in Guwahati. I appeal to them to start a new beginning and contribute towards the development of the state,” Sonowal tweeted.

ULFA-I deputy commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa and his wife, Nila Rabha were also among those who laid down their arms before Assam CM Sonowal.

They surrendered before police recently.

While speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, “We welcome all who decided to shun the path of violence. We have always tried to spread the message that violence can never solve any problem and we are glad that more and more people who took the path of violence are coming back to the mainstream.”

“The government will help them reap the benefits of the development schemes to be self-reliant and be part of the development process,” Sonowal added.

Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said the surrender became possible due to constant efforts by the Unified Command structure of security, a set-up comprising police, army, paramilitary and other intelligence agencies adopted in Assam to counter-insurgency.

Chief secretary Jishnu Baruah was also present at the function.

The arms deposited by the members of the 4 militant groups on Monday included 14 AK series rifles, one M20 rifle, 15 pistols, two 9mm carbines and others.

The surrendered cadres will receive a stipend of Rs 6,000 per month for three years and then will be given a one-time financial grant of Rs 4 lakh each under the rehabilitation scheme of the Union Home Ministry.

The surrendered militants will also be enrolled for skill development courses for rehabilitation.

CM Shri
@sarbanandsonwal
at the arms laying down ceremony by the members of 4 extremist groups in Guwahati. #TerrorismFreeAssam

We are unfaltered in our promise of bringing peace, harmony & progress to Assam. I am happy that most underground cadres are now coming out and joining actively in the nation building process. This is bringing cheer to their families and to the state. #TerrorismFreeAssam