Dozen KNLF cadres surrender in Manipur

A total of 12 Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF) cadres surrendered before the 9th Assam Rifles at Moreh earlier this month.

"We surrendered because we love our land, family members and friends. We thought that if the Kuki can collaborate with the government then it's much better so we decided to come out with some high authority," Lal Denga, a surrendered militant.

They handed over a large cache of arms and ammunition, including rifles, two AK-22 Rifles, four SLRs and 700 live rounds of ammunition. The surrendered cadres revealed that Meitei outfits misguided them, including PLA and UNLF, to perpetrate violence. Encouraged by the government's rehabilitation policy, they have decided to lay down arms.

The security forces call it a positive move. Many misguided youth in the Northeast have been realizing the futility of violence and giving up arms.

"It is a very positive move on part of the KNLF, in fact, we were in touch with the leadership of KNLF and this is the first group which is coming, it is a beginning and I am sure such a lot more will be coming, and this is the right step to bring peace in Manipur," said Brigadier Rajiv Mankotia.

Their surrender should encourage more misguided youth in the region to opt for a normal life. This will help bring about peace, normalcy and prosperity to the northeastern states.