Guwahati, December 21: In a major boost to realizing State government’s goal of making an insurgency-free Assam and ushering lasting peace in the State, 64 militants of four banned insurgent outfits laid down arms before the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra here today. 
On the occasion, 18 cadres of United Liberation Front of Assam (I) including self-styled deputy commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa, self-styled C-in-C of People’s Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK) Ong Teron, 32 members of United People’s Revolutionary Front (UPRF) and 13 from the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) laid down their arms today. 

Chief Minister Sonowal while welcoming the surrendered militants to the mainstream said, “Progress can never be achieved without peace. Nobody can live peacefully with a heart full of hatred. Those who took the path of violence must join the mainstream and contribute in nation building”. 
The Chief Minister further said that those who laid down arms should now commit themselves for promoting brotherhood and friendship and contribute towards nation building. He also called upon them to work hand-in-hand following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Team Assam” spirit to build the nation. The Chief Minister urged the militants who are still in hiding, to shun the path of violence and join the path of peace and progress.

Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) Hiren Nath gave the welcome address in the function which was graced amongst others Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami,  Legal Advisor Santanu Bharali, Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah, DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Additional Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Borthakur, Principal Secretary (Home) Niraj Verma, Additional DGP Harmeet Singh, Commissioner and Secretary (Home and Political) GD Tripathi, GoC 21 Mountain Division of Indian Army, SP Singh, ADGP CRPF North East Zone Sanjiv Ranjan Oja, Joint Director of the SIB Rashmi Sinha and other senior officers were present at the programme.

 Family members of militants from the four proscribed organization, Gaon Burahs from Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts and other leading citizens of the districts were also present.