Two NSCN-K militants surrender in Arunachal as security forces intensify peace efforts

Itanagar, June 30 (IANS) Two militants belonging to the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction surrendered in Arunachal Pradesh following sustained efforts by the armed forces to promote peace and stability in the region, officials said on Tuesday.

A defence spokesman said that, continuing their initiatives to restore normalcy, two insurgents of the NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction voluntarily laid down arms before the Assam Rifles and the Arunachal Pradesh Police in the Kheti area of Tirap district in southeastern Arunachal Pradesh.

Tirap district shares borders with Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar and has long been affected by insurgent activities.

The spokesman said the surrender reflects the growing confidence of local youth in the security forces and the government’s initiatives aimed at bringing misguided youths back into the mainstream.

During the surrender, the two insurgents handed over two pistols along with live rounds, the official said.

The surrendered militants have been taken into custody to complete legal formalities and initiate the rehabilitation process, he added.

The spokesman said the latest surrender underscores the success of the sustained outreach and confidence-building measures undertaken by the Assam Rifles to restore peace, security and normalcy in the region.

He said the security forces remain committed to encouraging more misguided youths to shun violence and join the path of peace, development and nation-building.

The NSCN-K has several factions, and the prominent NSCN-K (Nikki Sumi) faction has not signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre.

In contrast, several other Naga insurgent groups, including the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), have entered into ceasefire agreements with the government and are currently engaged in peace talks.

Meanwhile, referring to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Nagaland government’s Home Department (Political) had earlier declared the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (NSCN-K), along with all its factions, wings and front organisations, as an “Unlawful Association” under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

–IANS

sc/dpb