33 insurgents bid farewell to arms in Assam



Tezpur: Altogether 33 insurgents of the anti-talk NDFB (Ranjan Daimary) and ULFA (Paresh Baruah) factions surrendered before the army and deposited arms, ammunition and explosives here on Saturday.

At a surrender ceremony organised by the army at the Nehru Maidan here, 32 NDFB and one ULFA militant bade farewell to arms before GoC Gajraj Corps Lt Gen Shakti Gurung.

The ultras laid down three 7.62 mm AK series assault rifles, 24 pistols, nine hand grenades along with a huge quantity of explosives and ammunition.

Welcoming the misguided youths to the national mainstream, Lt Gen Gurung said, "this is not only an achievement in terms of blow to the outfits but also a message to other disenchanted militants that they can return home and lead a peaceful and respectful life".

The GoC urged the surrendered youths to lead a normal and fruitful life in keeping with the people's yearning for enduring peace in the state.

The surrender was a result of sustained efforts and motivation by army units of the Red Horn Division, Gajraj Corps Military Intelligence Unit, 166 Territorial Army Battalion and Assam Police, defence sources added.

PTI