Itanagar, 165 militants belonging to various insurgent groups have laid down their arms in the insurgency-affected areas of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh in the last six years, state Home Minister Mama Natung informed the Assembly on Monday.
In response to a written question from NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham, Natung said that between January 2020 and December 2025, a total of 47 militants surrendered to security forces in Tirap District, 41 in Changlang District, and 77 in Longding District.
The minister said that 50 cadres of the National Socialist Council in Nagalim surrendered in the three regions. Another 37 militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland laid down their arms.
In addition, 35 rebels of the Eastern Naga National Government surrendered during this period.
Natung further said that 27 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland surrendered, along with 14 from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, five from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and four from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
Two each from the United Liberation Front of Asom, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, the Eastern Naga National Organization, and one rebel from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
The minister said that the surrendered cadres receive benefits under the government’s surrender and rehabilitation plan, including financial aid of up to $1.4 crores in the last six years.
He said that the rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley district has been operational since January 9 last year and the surrendered cadres are currently staying there.
Vocational training programs are also being implemented to develop the skills of surrendered militants.
During the current financial year, short-term vocational training was provided to 26 cadres, the minister said, adding that the scheme does not include any provision for direct employment or housing.
He further stated that under the provisions of the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme, withdrawal of cases relating to minor offenses against cadres who have been successfully rehabilitated may be considered as per government policy.
However, Natung clarified that cadres involved in heinous crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping and other serious crimes will face due process and the surrender will not be treated as absolution from criminal liability.
The minister added that the reintegration and living condition of surrendered militants are regularly monitored under the supervision of the government.
He also said that the government has taken steps to strengthen the surrender and rehabilitation scheme by imposing an additional salary of Rs $6000 per cadre and approval $109.10 lakh to improve rehabilitation infrastructure.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
