Manipur's top militant group leader, Irom Ibotombi Meitei surrenders before CM

Guwahati: Self-styled Lt Colonel of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Irom Ibotombi Meitei of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has surrendered and decided to join the mainstream.

The RPF is the political wing of the PLA, one of the oldest terror outfits in Manipur.

Fifty-six-year-old Ibotombi, who was the RPF (PLA)’s deputy assistant secretary of health and family welfare before surrendering, is a resident of Nambol Thangtek in Bishnupur district. He was associated with the outfit from 1994-1995.



Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said that Ibotombi came to the mainstream after trusting the changes brought about in the state by the central and state governments, and the firm commitment of central leaders towards the development of Manipur and northeast India.

“I would like to appeal to the people of the state, and those who left their homes for a cause, to come back and join the mainstream so that we can live peacefully, and work together for a new Manipur and India,” Singh said

Recently 14 cadres of the banned rebel outfit United Tribal Liberation Army laid down arms. The Chief Minister also tweeted, “In yet another encouraging development, Lt Colonel of underground outfit RPF (PLA), Irom Ibotombi Meitei have surrendered today.The recent homecoming of numerous cadres of underground outfits shows the trust in the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji.”

The PLA and Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) had carried out attacks, an Assam Rifles Colonel, his family members and four jawans in Churachandpur district along Myanmar border on November 13 last year