Imphal: Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were signed with three Manipur based militants on Wednesday at 1st Manipur Rifles banquet hall.
Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister graced the function as Chief Guest and Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam presided over the function. Cabinet ministers, senior government officials attended the function.
The MOU was signed by Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE), Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Dr. J. Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary (Home) on behalf of State Government.
On behalf of United Revolutionary Front (URF) Khwairakpam Gopendro Singh @ Lanheiba (Chairman), Puyam Mangiyamba Meitei @ Ruhuni Meitei (Secretary, Home Affairs) and Ngangom Soviet Meitei @ Chingkheiganba Metei signed the MOU.
On behalf of Kangleipak Communist Party KCP (Lamphel) Naorem Brojen Meitei @ City Meitei (Chief of Army) and Taibanganba @ Dilip (Joint Secretary) signed the MOU.
On behalf of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup KYKL (MDF) Maisnam Athouba (President) and Laimayum Ronel Sharma @ Achouba (General Secretary) signed the MOU.
A total of 197 cadres laid down arms with 138 weapons. Those who laid down arms included 90 cadres of URF, 40 of KCP and 67 of KYKL MDF.
As per the MOU signed with the leaders of these groups, they will bring all their cadres along with weapons within 90 days of signing of the MOU.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh speaking on the occasion said he does not consider those who have agreed to sign agreements as people who had gone to the wrong path. Let us forgive and forget and start a new beginning he appealed to them.
He assured them that the government will ensure their safety and that they are properly rehabilitated. Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said with the signing of the agreement, a ray of hope and peace have come and the nation will march forward.
Lalheiba, Chairman of URF said, ‘there is peace within every soul, let us try to gift peace to others’. City Meitei, Chairman of KCP said people now want peace that is why he decided to come out for talks. Chairman of KYKL MDF Athouba said if talks are not held properly and necessary steps taken up the cadres may go back to their previous life hence government should honestly implement the schemes.
The leaders and cadres who have joined the peace process will be rehabilitated as per the Rehabilitation Policy notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs and approved by the State Cabinet. These groups will be temporarily stationed with Army or Assam Rifles camps and later shifted to the Designated Camps, which will be constructed.
The cadres will get a monthly stipend of Rs.4,000/- for a period of two years. They will also be paid an amount of Rs.2,50,000/- per cadre for rehabilitation purpose. This amount will be kept in fixed deposit in the name of the cadre and will be paid with interest to the cadre after a locking period of two years.
The cadres will be provided vocational training and training in art of living. If the cadre wishes to seek self-employment before the expiry of locking period of deposit, the State Government will facilitate loans from banks against the amount deposited in fixed deposit. Government will make efforts to employ the cadres in paramilitary forces subject to their eligibility.
The cadres of these groups should not involve in any anti-social or anti-national activities. If they are found involving in criminal activities, they will be dealt as per the law.
The State Government will provide security to the cadres at the designated camps. (UNI)