1,040 Karbi militants bid farewell to arms

Those returning to mainstream should contribute to nation building: CM Sonowal

GUWAHATI: In a major boost to realizing State government's goal of making an insurgency-free Assam and ushering in lasting peace in the State, 1,040 militants of five Karbi ethnic militant groups laid down arms and joined the mainstream in front of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in the city on Tuesday.

On the occasion, total 1040 cadres of Karbi People's Liberation Tiger (KPLT), People's Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Karbi Longri N C Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Kuki Liberation Front (KLF) and United People's Liberation Army (UPLA) including self-styled Chief of PDCK Ingti Kathar Songbijit laid down their arms. 338 different kind of arms along with 11,203 bullets were surrendered by the militants.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed those members of Karbi militant groups back to mainstream society and congratulated them for deciding to give up arms while reposing faith in the constitution of the country. He also commented that Karbi Anglong is one of the most beautiful districts in the State and he urged the surrendered militants to contribute in the mission of making Atmanirbhar Assam through Atmanirbhar Karbi Hills Region. Karbi youths have lots of potential and they must utilize it to make Karbi Anglong a developed region in the state by harnessing its tourism potential, he said.

Saying that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's endeavour of equal development in every corner of the country Assam is making rapid strides towards prosperity, Sonowal congratulated the surrendered militants for coming back to mainstream society and urged them to contribute in the journey of state's progress. The government's role is not limited to only bringing back the militants but also it is committed to ensure a life of dignity and respect for those who have surrendered arms by facilitating opportunities for livelihood and employment, he added.

While Additional DGP (Special Branch) Hiren Nath gave the welcome address, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah and DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta also spoke on the occasion, said a release.

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