New Delhi: Thirteen militants belonging to All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) surrendered themselves at the Bokajan police station in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Sunday. Confirming this, a defence spokesperson said that the surrendered AANLA militants deposited several sophisticated arms, including five pistols, four AK rifles and assorted live ammunition.
According to a report by news agency IANS, an official statement said that in a bid to promote peace and harmony in the region, the security forces of Spear Corps have always tried to bring the misguided youth, who have taken up the path of insurgency, to the mainstream.
After the surrender, the families of the extremists also thanked the security forces for reuniting them with their loved ones.
It is to be noted that several other militants of different militant organisations in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district have surrendered over the recent times and have submitted their arms and ammunition to the security forces.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the state continues its peace march with the surrender of the militants on Sunday.
As per reports, the AANLA is currently in peace talks with the government of Assam.
Formed in the year 2006, AANLA demands Scheduled Tribe status for the Adivasi workers, including the ones working in the tea gardens of Assam.
The outfit, that is based mainly in Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, still has about 100 cadres, sources close to Deccan Herald said, adding that the surrender of these militants is an indication that AANLA wishes to give up on the weapons and engage in peace talks with the government.