In one of the major surrender events, 52 militants belonging to various underground outfits active in the North-East formally returned to national mainstream. All the militants will be rehabilitated by   the centrally funded rehabilitation package.

The militants formally laid down their arms and ammunition before Nagaland Governor Om Prakash Sharma and accepted the cash incentives from Nagaland Commissioner P. Talitemjen Ao for surrendering their arms at a rehabilitation ceremony at Kigwema village, 10 km south of Kohima.  This was third formal surrender ceremony in Nagaland after December 2000 and July 2001 functions at Dimapur and Kohima respectively. Earlier 27 Naga militants from different groups accepted the rehabilitation scheme. Nagaland Chief Minister S. C. Jamir along with his cabinet colleagues were present on the occasion.

Out of 52 surrendered cadres, 19 were from NSCN (K), 14 belonged to NSCN (I-M) and five from Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), the pioneer of underground movement in the region. Two militants each from the ULFA and the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) among those who surrendered. The militants deposited various arms ranging from LMG to pistol and revolvers, including four AK rifles.

Speaking on the occasion the Nagaland Governor appealed to the people, NGOs, tribal leaders and village elders to persuade the Naga youth to return to mainstream.

The Chief Minister described the event as a good sign and a homecoming of Naga youth from jungles.
     
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