Manipur insurgent

Imphal: One of the senior-most leaders of the proscribed Revolutionary Peopleโ€™s Front (PLA), Irom Ibotombi Meitei on Monday surrendered before Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in Imphal.

The development comes a week after 14 cadres belonging to United Tribal Liberation Army-James (UTLA-J), including its chairman, laid down arms before Manipur Rifles in Imphal.

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 โ€œIn yet another encouraging development, Lt Colonel of underground outfit RPF (PLA), Irom Ibotombi Meitei have surrendered today,โ€ CM Biren Singh said in a tweet.

Singh, accompanied by state chief secretary Rajesh Kumar and Manipur DGP P Doungel,welcomed Irom Ibotombi Meitei, who went by the aliases of Ibotomba, Keirungba and Chingkhei.

56-year-old Ibotombi, who is a resident of Nambol Thangtek, joined the outfit in 1994-1995.

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Before joining the mainstream, Ibotombi, alias Ibotomba, Keirungba and Chingkei, was the RPF (PLA) outfitโ€™s deputy assistant secretary of health and family welfare, chief minister Singh said.

Singh further said that the homecoming of the outlawed active senior RPF (PLA) member marks a new beginning towards restoring peace in the state. 

โ€œThe government will uphold the commitment of Union home minister Amit Shah during his visit in the state to โ€˜not use a single bullet of lodge FIRsโ€™ against any underground cadre who is ready to lay down arms and join the mainstream,โ€ said Singh.

CM Biren Singh also assured that the state government will make all arrangements to ensure security and rehabilitation of the surrendered rebels.