At least 15 members of the rebel organisation Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) laid down their arms at the headquarters of the Arunachal Pradesh police in Itanagar on Sunday, reported news agency ANI. At an event attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and high-ranking officials from the Assam Rifles and the police, the militants surrendered.
R. Stephen Naga established the Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) in January 2016 with the intention of strengthening the "Naga army" in eastern Nagaland in order to establish a separate political entity and forge alliances with Myanmar's armed groups.
According to the Northeast Now, a statement read, “Surrender of these cadres will motivate other cadres of the region to join the mainstream. The cadres laid down their arms on constant persuasion by Assam Rifles to lead a dignified life and shun violence.”
The statement further read, “Surrender of these active cadres epitomizes the humane face of the Assam Rifles while working to maintain peace in the region.”
The surrender is seen as a significant setback for the insurgency in Southern Arunachal Pradesh and as bringing the TCL region closer to normalcy.
“Surrendered cadres have been assured of all possible assistance by the government for their smooth and fast rehabilitation in society”, the statement added.
There have been reports of kidnapping and extortion from ENNG militants operating in the Changlang-Tirap-Longding region.
Prior on February 23, Arunachal Pradesh Police busted a camp of ENNG aggressors in the Changlang region and recuperated arms and ammo.
Police recuperated one AK 47 rifle, an M-16 rifle, a hand projectile, six magazines, ammo, and reports from the camp.
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