In what may be called a major achievement on the insurgency front, more than 1,600 militants of nine separatist groups here on Tuesday laid down arms to join the peace-talks in the presence of Union home minister P. Chidambram.
In one of the biggest surrender ceremonies, organised by unified command of security forces, Mr Chidambram welcomed the decision of the armed groups to resolve the conflict through talks.
Offering “white roses” to the rebels, Mr Chidambram said, “Leave the past behind and look at the future to contribute yourself in nation building. We assure that each one of you would be treated equally and be able to lead a life of dignity and honour.”
The contingent of 1,600 rebels, who were present at Sarusajai Indoor Stadium, deposited 200 weapons, which were displayed in front of dignitaries present at the surrender ceremony.
With these nine rebel groups committing to resolve the conflict through the peace talks, almost all the influential rebel groups in Assam are now holding talks with the government.