Militants lay down arms in Assam

Misled youth from the northeast, who joined various insurgent outfits, have realised the futility of violence and are now keen to return to the mainstream of society.

Recently, twelve cadres from different groups laid down their arms in Assam's Goalpara district.

On June 1, twelve cadres belonging to Rabha National Security Force (RNSF) and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) surrendered before the police and army personnel in Goalpara district of Assam. Three of them belong to ULFA and the remaining are from Rabha National Security Force. They deposited a huge cache of arms, including pistols, country-made revolvers, rifles and two kilogram of explosives.

"They have surrendered on their own accord, which is why we welcome this step taken by them. Through this surrender process if they join the mainstream society and contribute for its development, then it

will benefit the entire state," said Goalpara Superintendent of Police Shyamal Saikiya.

A majority of insurgent groups in Assam, including ULFA, DHD (J) and NDFB are in peace talks with the government. The state government's rehabilitation policy is encouraging more and more misguided youths to abjure violence and join the mainstream.