-NJ Thakuria
Guwahati: Observing a bleak future for the militant outfits in the country as the BJP led Union government in New Delhi continued effective counter-insurgency operations particularly in north-eastern region, many rebels have surrendered their arms to join the government peace initiative.
Lately, 64 militants belonging to various banned armed outfits laid down their weapons to the authority in a function held in the city on Monday to join the mainstream. Assam chief minister, also in charge of State home portfolio, Sarbananda Sonowal along with other dignitaries graced the occasion, where he asked all the surrendered militants to work for promoting brotherhood & friendship in the society. Drishti Rajkhowa, the self-styled deputy commander-in-chief along with 17 other United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) rebels, Ong Teron, the self-styled C-in-C of People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), 32 members of United People’s Revolutionary Front (UPRF) and 13 cadres of Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) laid down their weapons.
“Progress can never be made without peace. Nobody can live peacefully with a heart full of hatred. To take society and family forward, those who took the path of violence must join the mainstream and contribute to nation building,” said Sonowal, reiterating his urge to the militants who are still hiding to shun the path of violence and join the path of peace and progress.
Sonowal argued that paying a rich dividend of the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the trust and confidence his leadership has infused in the minds of the people, most of the proscribed organisations have now realized the futility of arms rebellion. Hence they decided to return to the mainstream, he asserted.
The government has taken adequate steps for rehabilitating the members of insurgent groups who have joined the mainstream after laying down their arms, claimed Sonowal adding that the surrendered militants are taking the benefits of various government schemes, implemented with the support from the Centre, to lead a dignified life in the society.
In presence of State chief secretary Jishnu Barua, State police chief Bhaskar J Mahanta, CM’s legal adviser Shantanu Bharali & media adviser Hrishikesh Goswami with other dignitaries, Sonowal also asked the surrendered militants to take benefits of various schemes including Swabalamban and maintain a normal life here after.
