72 ultras lay down arms in Manipur

Seventy-two militants of different banned outfits today laid down arms before Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

The 'homecoming function' for the militants was organised at the premises of the office of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), Maj Gen U K Gurung at Mantripukhri area in the outskirts.

Applauding the role of Assam Rifles in facilitating the surrender and helping misguided youths to return to the mainstream, Ibobi Singh congratulated the surrendered persons for taking the "right decision" and said peace was necessary for bringing all round development in the state.

The CM added: "As long as there is armed movement in the state, there will be no progress in development."

A large number of weapons including AK 47 and G3 rifles, carbines and pistols, were surrendered by the militants, an official statement said.

The militants belonged to the banned United National Liberation Front, People's Liberation Army, Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and People's United Liberation Front, it said.

Earlier on April 30, 103 militants belonging to major insurgent outfits like the UNLF, KYKL had surrendered before the chief minister.