1855 militants bid farewell to arms in Assam
Altogether 1855 militants belonging to nine groups today bid a farewell to arms before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and received roses for weapons turned in.
Welcoming the cadres of the nine groups for returning to the path of peace, Chidambaram said, "I want to assure all of you that the Governments of India and Assam will treat you as equal citizens of India with honour and dignity.
"The Government of India has welcomed the militants back to the fold. We believe we are a republic and a democracy where every voice deserves to be heard. Everyone is entitled to live with honour," said Chidamabaram at the function where Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Army GoCs of 3 and 4 Corps, and Director General of Police Jayant Narayan Chowdhury were also present.
"All differences can be settled through talks, consultations, efforts and endeavour. No knot can be left untied through patience," the home minister said. Led by chairmen and 'commanders', the militants surrendered 201 assorted arms and ammunition.
The underground groups were Adivashi Peoples Army (APA), All Adivashi National Liberation Army (AANLA), Santhal Tiger Force (STF), Birsa Commando Force (BCF), Adivashi Cobra Military of Assam (ACMA), Kuki Liberation Army (KLA)/Kuki Liberation Organisation (KLO), Hmar People’s Convention (HPC), United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).
"Today is a historic day. It is not often that one witnesses a day when so many groups earlier taken the path of militancy decide to take the path of peace, reconciliation and brotherhood," Chidamabaram said.
"Leave the past behind and look at the future positively. We will reach out to you. You must look forward to the future with hope, cheer, optimism and love for brotherhood," he said.
"You have many years of useful life, build a family, build India, contribute to the the future of India and Assam. I welcome you all on behalf of India and wish you a prosperous life," said the minister.
"In the last few years we have reached out to a large number of groups proving the vitality of our democracy," Chidamabaram said. He also exhorted the surrenderees to remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and that all Indians were one and that India had a place for all.
Chidamabaram said the ULFA and NDFB were participating in the peace process and negotiations with other militant groups were nearing conclusion portending well for the country. "Hope others will also follow."
The chief minister said the credit for the surrender went to the commanders of the nine groups and civil society. "You have realised the futility of continuing with an armed struggle. It is a good message to the whole country that militancy will not benefit anybody. Problems can be solved only through the democratic process," Gogoi said.
