Those coming back to mainstream must contribute to the nation building process: Sarbananda Sonowal

GUWAHATI: In a major boost to realizing state government’s goal of making an insurgency-free Assam and ushering in lasting peace in the State, 1040 militants of five Karbi ethnic militant

GUWAHATI: In a major boost to realizing state government’s goal of making an insurgency-free Assam and ushering in lasting peace in the State, 1040 militants of five Karbi ethnic militant groups laid down arms and joined the mainstream in front of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in the city  on Tuesday.

On the occasion, total 1040 cadres of Karbi People’s Liberation Tiger (KPLT), People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Karbi Longri N C Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Kuki Liberation Front (KLF) and United People’s Liberation Army (UPLA) including self-styled Chief of PDCK Ingti Kathar Songbijit laid down their arms. 338 arms of different kinds alongwith 11203 bullets were surrendered by the militants.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed those members of Karbi militant groups back to mainstream society and congratulated them for deciding to give up arms while reposing faith in the constitution of the country. He also commented that Karbi Anglong is one of the most beautiful districts in the state and he urged the surrendered militants to contribute in the mission of making Atmanirbhar Assam through Atmanirbhar Karbi Hills Region. Karbi youths have lots of potential and they must utilise it to make Karbi Anglong a developed region in the state by harnessing its tourism potential, he said.

Saying that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endeavour of equal development in every corner of the country Assam is making rapid strides towards prosperity, Sonowal congratulated the surrendered militants for coming back to mainstream society and urged them to contribute in the journey of state’s progress. The government’s role is not limited to only bringing back the militants but also it is committed to ensure a life of dignity and respect for those who have surrendered arms by facilitating opportunities for livelihood and employment, he added.

The Chief Minister also appreciated Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council led by CEM Tuliram Ronghang for ushering in a period of peace and prosperity in the Karbi Hills and he also commended the Unified Command structure comprising Assam police, Indian Army, Paramilitary and Intelligence Agencies for their success in bringing peace to the state.

Sonowal also thanked noted litterateur and former president of Asom Sahitya Sabha Rong Bong Terang for his presence at the programme alongwith representatives of Karbi Sahitya Sabha and members of Karbi Cultural Society. While Additional DGP (Special Branch) Hiren Nath gave the welcome address, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah and DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Diphu MP Haren Singh Bey, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Paban Kumar Borthakur, Principal Secretary Home & Political Department Niraj Verma, Additional DGP (Law & Order) GP Singh, GoC 21 Mountain Division Indian Army Major General SP Singh, Joint Director, SIB Rashmi Sinha and other senior officers were present at the programme. Besides, former President of Asom Sahiyta Sabha Padmashree Rong Bong Terang, Gaon Burahs and other leading citizens of Karbi Anglong district were present.

COMMENTS