Two UTA cadres surrender in Arunachal, rejoin mainstream

Our correspondent

Itanagar: In a significant development aimed at strengthening peace and security in Arunachal Pradesh, two youths formerly associated with the banned United Tani Army (UTA), surrendered before the authorities here, on Thursday.

The surrender marks a hopeful turn in the government’s ongoing efforts to bring misguided individuals back into the mainstream and curb underground insurgent activity in the region.

Presiding over the surrender ceremony, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung reiterated the government’s firm stance against anti-national and anti-social activities while emphasising its open-door policy for those willing to abandon violence and reintegrate into society.

“We are fully committed to rooting out such unlawful activities. At the same time, we continue to welcome those who wish to renounce insurgency and walk the path of peace. There are provisions in place to help them rebuild their lives with dignity,” he said.

Natung highlighted the state’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, particularly the dedicated camp at Bishmaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley, which has been operational since January this year.

Currently, the facility houses 30 individuals who have chosen to return from insurgency. These individuals are provided with vocational training, orientation programs, and other forms of psychological and social support to enable their smooth reintegration, the minister said.

After completing the 36-month programme, each person is eligible for financial assistance of Rs 4 lakhs along with a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 during the rehabilitation period, he added.

The minister applauded the two young men for their courage and conviction in surrendering and called upon others still involved with underground groups, particularly those operating across the Myanmar border, to follow suit.

“Groups like the so-called United Tani Army are misleading our youth and taking them down a path that harms not only themselves but also the future of our state. I strongly urge all such individuals to return home and contribute to building a better Arunachal,” he added.

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