Arunachal Pradesh Sees Significant Surrender of Militants Over Six Years
Militant Surrender in Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar, Mar 9: In a notable development, 165 militants from various insurgent factions have surrendered in the insurgency-affected regions of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, over the last six years. This information was shared by State Home Minister Mama Natung during an Assembly session in response to a query from NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham.
Natung reported that from January 2020 to December 2025, 47 militants gave themselves up in Tirap, 41 in Changlang, and 77 in Longding.
Among those who surrendered, 50 were affiliated with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), while 37 belonged to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khango-Yung Aung). Additionally, 35 members of the Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) also laid down their arms during this timeframe.
Furthermore, 27 militants from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) surrendered, along with 14 from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation), five from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khango-Nonny), and four from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Unification).
Two militants each from the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-2), and the Eastern Naga National Organisation (ENNO), as well as one from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Ang), also surrendered.
The minister highlighted that those who have surrendered are eligible for benefits under the government's Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, which has provided financial assistance totaling Rs 1.4 crore over the past six years.
A rehabilitation camp has been operational at Bhismaknagar in the Lower Dibang Valley district since January 9 of the previous year, where the surrendered militants are currently residing.
To aid in their reintegration, vocational training programs are being offered to enhance the skills of these former militants. In the current fiscal year, 26 individuals have received short-term vocational training, although the scheme does not guarantee direct employment or housing.
Additionally, the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme allows for the consideration of withdrawing minor offense cases against rehabilitated individuals, in line with government policy.
However, Natung made it clear that those involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, and abduction will still face legal consequences, and surrender will not exempt them from criminal liability.
He also mentioned that the government is reinforcing the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme by allocating an extra stipend of Rs 6,000 per cadre and approving Rs 109.10 lakh for enhancing rehabilitation facilities.
Earlier, on March 2, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh addressed a state-level conference for Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Commandants, stating that the state does not experience a homegrown insurgency.
“We do not have a homegrown insurgency. Whatever challenges exist, we must take ownership and resolve them. We cannot remain dependent on the Government of India for everything. It is our state, and we must rectify our issues,” he emphasized.