644 cadres from eight insurgent groups lay down arms in Assam

Guwahati: In one of the largest surrender of militants in recent past, as many as 644 militants laid down their arms on Thursday. In a ceremony in Guwahati, 644 cadres from eight militants organisations laid down their arms. These included members from organisations such as United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I), United Liberation Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and Rabha National Liberation Front (RNLF).

Recently NDFB, under the leadership of B Saoraigwra, decided to abjure violence and join peace talks with the government. On Wednesday, NDFB commander B Bidai and B Batha, most wanted in NIA terror cases, also came forward to surrender. The militants also deposited 174 fire arms. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the youths who strayed into terrorism and extremist activities must be given an opportunity to come back to the mainstream society and rebuild their lives.

“I welcome all members of extremist groups who have laid down their arms today to lead a normal life again and contribute meaningfully to the nation building process through hard work and dedication. It will inspire other such militant organisation members to come back to mainstream society,” he said.


Sonowal urged the surrendered militants to dedicate themselves to the nation building process and utilise their potential to bring positive transformation in the society.