Diphu: It is learnt that around 40 cadres of a tribal militant outfit on Friday surrendered before the security forces in Karbi Anglong on Friday.

Police sources said this gesture will help pave the way for lasting peace in the region. The militants laid down all their sophisticated weapons which they had at their disposal.

“Total of 39 cadres of the Adivasi People’s Liberation Army (APLA) surrendered today. This has been possible due to the joint efforts of the Assam Police and Assam Rifles,” inspector general of police (IGP), central range, Devojyoti Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee further said that the militants offered their AK series rifles, including pistols, hand grenades and and assorted live ammunition.

“The cadres realized that it is futile to pursue terrorist activities and have decided to re-join the mainstream. They had deposited several arms and ammunition, including sophisticated weapons, pistols and grenades,” Mukherjee said.

APLA chief Sahil Munda, who led his cadres in the surrender ceremony, said his group was formed as a break-away faction in 2019 of Adivasi National Liberation Army with about 125 members.

“We moved away from ANLA for personal reasons. After seeing the development taking place in the state under the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government and how problems of the Adivasi community are being addressed, we have decided to return to the mainstream,” Munda said.