Editor
In Short: 39 cadres of the Adivasi People's Liberation Army (APLA) surrendered in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. They handed over 31 weapons, including rifles and grenades. Led by APLA chief Sahil Munda, the group chose to abandon terrorism and rejoin the mainstream due to positive developments and government efforts. This surrender signifies a step towards peace and development in the region.
Diphu, Karbi Anglong: Tribal Militant Group Surrenders Arms in Assam's Karbi Anglong District
In a significant development, 39 cadres of the Adivasi People's Liberation Army (APLA), including their 'commander-in-chief,' voluntarily surrendered their arms to the security forces in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The surrender ceremony, held at the Bokakhat police station premises, marked a major step towards peace and stability in the region.
Led by APLA chief Sahil Munda, the group decided to lay down their weapons after recognizing the futility of pursuing terrorist activities. Speaking at the event, Munda expressed admiration for the progressive initiatives undertaken by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government and the efforts made to address the issues faced by the Adivasi community. The surrendering cadres acknowledged the positive developments in the state and made the choice to reintegrate into mainstream society.
During the surrender ceremony, a total of 31 weapons were handed over, including three AK series rifles, 19 pistols, five other rifles, two grenades, and various types of live ammunition. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Devojyoti Mukherjee, commended the joint efforts of the Assam Police and Assam Rifles in facilitating this significant surrender.
The APLA, which originated as a breakaway faction of the Adivasi National Liberation Army in 2019, had a strength of approximately 125 members. With this recent surrender, 39 cadres have now chosen the path of peace, while around 40 others still possess arms and a few are currently incarcerated.
This surrender is seen as a positive step towards resolving the issues that have plagued the region and fostering an environment of harmony and progress. The Assam government's commitment to addressing the concerns of various communities is being recognized as a catalyst for such positive transformations. The surrender of APLA cadres is expected to contribute significantly to the overall security and development of Assam's Karbi Anglong district.