Assam: More than 1,100 militants surrender in Hailakandi

The United Democratic Liberation Front of Barak Valley (UDLF-BV) and the Bru Revolutionary Army of Union (BRAU), two outlawed organizations, as many as 1,179 militants who turned themselves in on Monday in Hailakandi, Assam. According to reports, the militants have been mostly active in regions around the border between Assam and Mizoram. At least 350 weapons, including 18 AK-series rifles, M16 rifles, and more than 400 rounds of ammunition were surrendered by the militants in this location.

In front of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika and Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, the act of surrender and laying down of arms was performed.

Speaking about the militants and their organizations, Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch), Hiren Chandra Nath, stated that long-term efforts had been made to neutralize these militants and restore calm to the areas. The surrender of all of these insurgents eventually became a reality, Nath said, despite some conflicts and obstacles along the way. Although the peacemaking process has been ongoing since 2017, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership gave it priority, he said.

"These two factions had been engaged in a peace process since 2017. There were some disagreements, but we were able to persuade them to sit down for negotiations with the help of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma "he stated.
Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch), Hiren Chandra Nath, further discussed the steps that will take place in this regard and stated that the procedures and rehabilitation for the militants who have surrendered will start very soon in the region. He further stated that the security forces would take action to prevent the establishment of any new militant organizations in the region and to maintain the calm indefinitely.