Itanagar, March 12 (UNI): Altogether 15 cadres of the Naga militant group, Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG), including its president Tosa Mossang, on Sunday laid down arms before Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and top military and police officers here, official sources said.
An offshoot of joint efforts by the Arunachal Pradesh Police and Assam Rifles, the surrender ceremony tagged “Homecoming Ceremony: ENNG” was conducted at the Police Headquarters here.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Bamang Felix, Chief Secretary Dharmendra and DGP Satish Golchha and other senior officers from Assam Rifles and Arunachal Police.
“Heartening that 15 cadres of Eastern Naga National Govt (ENNG), including its president, Shri Tosha Mossang surrendered today,” Khandu tweeted.
Appreciating the Arunachal Pradesh Police and Assam Rifles for their joint effort in materializing the surrender of the ‘misguided youth’, Khandu said, “We assure the surrendered cadres all help to join the mainstream for their meaningful contribution to the State.”
The Chief Minister also urged the other rebel groups to eschew violence and join the mainstream for lasting peace and prosperity.
“We have an Underground Surrender Policy with an allocation of Rs 5 crore for the next financial year (2023-24) to encourage misguided youth to shun violence and become partners of growth,” Khandu said.
As many as nine Chinese-made MQ series weapons, two AK-47 rifles, one Chinese-made pistol, 19 magazines, 415 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five rounds of 9mm pistol, four Chinese grenades, six walkie-talkie were deposited by the surrenderees, police sources said.
Hailing the surrender of the misguided youths, Union Law Minister and Arunachal West MP Kiren Rijiju said: “North-East India is witnessing fast development due to peace. People who had taken up Arms are returning back to mainstream due to the Govt’s people friendly actions. The Pema Khandu Govt is actively implementing the major schemes and policies initiated by PM Narendra Modi Ji.”
