Historic surrender ceremony in Guwahati

Over 1800 militants from nine outfits bade farewell to arms before Union home minister P Chidambaram and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at a function in Guwahati on Tuesday. Gogoi and Chidambaram greeted them with rose buds for coming back to national mainstream.

In his address, Chidambaram said that he would assure them of equal right and dignity. He said, “the Government has welcomed the militants back to the fold. Everyone is entitled to live with honour."

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Army GoCs of 3 and 4 Corps, and director general of police Jayant Narayan Chowdhury were also present. Chairmen and 'commanders', the militants surrendered 201 assorted arms and ammunition. The underground groups include Adivashi Peoples Army, All Adivashi National Liberation Army, Santhal Tiger Force, Birsa Commando Force, Adivashi Cobra Military of Assam, Kuki Liberation Army, Kuki Liberation Organisation, Hmar People’s Convention, United Kukigam Defence Army and Kuki Revolutionary Army.