Imphal, June 13 (UNI): Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday welcomed Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health and Family Welfare of People’s Liberation Army (PLA), S.S. Lt. Colonel Irom Ibotombi Meitei on his homecoming to the mainstream at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Singh said it was a proud moment for the government as a senior official of the PLA has decided to return to the mainstream as “he trusted the changes seen in the country and the state”. He added that the homecoming of such a senior member of PLA has shown hope and a new beginning in Manipur and appealed to all to lay down arms.
Singh said the Manipur government would uphold the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah not to use a single bullet or lodge FIR against any insurgent who was ready to lay down arms and join the mainstream.
He said that the State Government would make all arrangements to ensure security and rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres.
Earlier on June 1 last, 14 cadres of the the United Tribal Liberation Army -James Group (UTLA-J) laid down their arms and ammunition before the Chief Minister at a Homecoming Ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles.
Regarding eviction of illegal encroachment and constructions at Waithou Chingol, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government had taken up the eviction process in the larger interest of the people of Manipur and to conserve nature and mitigate the climate change which we are experiencing today.
He further appealed to all encroachers and illegal occupants at Reserve Forest areas to voluntarily dismantle their structures as the government would be continuing with its eviction work.
