Five militants from different outfits lay down arms in Manipur

Militant outfits operating in the northeast are gradually realizing the futility of violence and are increasingly choosing to join the mainstream.

Recently, five militants belonging to different outfits operating in Manipur, surrendered at a home coming ceremony held at the headquartera of the 54th battalion of the BSF in Loktak.

The surrendered militants included three hard core cadres of the banned UNLF, a self styled Lance Corporal of the PLA and a self styled Lance Corporal of PREPAK.

The militants also handed over arms and ammunition.

"Having decided to come back to the mainstream of life they would make responsible citizens of our country. They will improve their personal life, they will improve their social life and they will improve the society as a whole," said M Sonowal, DIG, BSF Manipur

Some youth in the region who had been misled to join the militants have now realized the futility of violence and are opting to return to the mainstream.

The government's rehabilitation process provides further encouragement to these youngsters to shun violence.