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Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta welcomed the 644 militants from eight banned outfits who joined the mainstream of society here on Thursday.
Mahanta said, “It’s a historic day for Assam. We’re moving past a period of disturbance towards the path of peace. We hope the militants will continue to join the peace process for the bright future of the State and its people. I thank my colleagues for their sincere efforts to bring such a large number of rebels to the mainstream of society.”
Speaking at the programme, IGP Hiren Chandra Nath said, “This is good news for us. It’s a success as well. The militants laid down a large number of weapons like AK-47, HK, MQ, and many other hand-crafted weapons. Each of the firearms is important for us because each of the bullets is lethal enough to take a life.”
Three topmost leaders of the NDFB(S) -- B Saoraigowra, G Bidai, and M Batha -- weren’t present at the arms-laying ceremony today. NDFB(S) vice president and military leader G Bidai and his deputy Batha returned to the mainstream on Wednesday.
The 644 rebels who surrendered today include 50 of the ULFA-I, eight of the NDFB, six of the KLO (Kamatapur Liberation Organization), 13 of the RNLF (Rava National Liberation Front), one of the CPI(Maoists), 87 of the NSLA (National Santhal Liberation Army), 178 of the ADF (Adivasi Dragon Fighter) and 301 the NLFB.
While the ULFA-I cadres laid down 25 arms, 1536 ammunition and 42 magazines; the NDFB(S) laid down an arm, 29 ammunition, a magazine, and an RT set; the NLFB rebels laid down 75 arms, 51 ammunition, 1.93 kg of explosives, 31 grenades, a bomb, an RT set, and 11 detonators; the RNLF gave up 20 arms, 70 ammunition, 15 magazines, and 395 detonators; the NSLA deposited 27 arms, 15 grenades, a bomb, and three rocket-launching shells; and the ADF gave up 30 arms, 69 bombs, and 17 khukhris.