Manipur ex-rebels demand rehab package, threaten suicide

IMPHAL, July 3 ? Demanding framing of a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the surrendered insurgents and discussing the matter during the month-long monsoon session of the State assembly which is beginning from tomorrow, a group of former insurgents threatened to commit suicide if the government fails this time. The former insurgents numbering around 85 presently taking shelter at the police commando barracks in Imphal also decided to do something in order to achieve their demand. The former insurgents who are currently taking shelter at the police commando barracks include 10 PLA cadres, 19 UNLF cadres, 4 PREPAK, 2 NSCN (K), 1 NSCN (IM), 7 KCP, 18 KYKL, 11 INP, 12 PULF and 1 ILK cadres. Talking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, the representatives of the former insurgents questioned why the State government as well as Central government was not providing proper rehabilitation package to the ex-rebels who have surrendered to the call of both the authorities to return to the mainstream. Saying that the attitude of the State as well as the Centre in this regard is akin to supporting militancy in the region, the former rebels demanded they be handed over to the governments of Assam, Nagaland and Tripura along with their surrendered weapons if the Manipur government is unable to provide rehabilitation package properly. Stating that these North-east States are taking up rehabilitation package properly for the surrendered insurgents, the former militants lamented that such package has been missing in Manipur even though they surrendered about two-and-a-half years ago. They further added that the rehabilitation scheme should be provided to the surrendered insurgents once their surrender period crosses one year. Saying that they have not getting the benefits of such a scheme, the rebels asserted that the government has not given surrender reward, weapon reward and even ration money. In view of the State government?s step-motherly-treatment, they are currently taking help from their respective families as well as from the other paramilitary services deployed in the State. Condemning the Chief Minister Okam Ibobi-led government in Manipur for not taking up any sort of rehabilitation schemes for the surrendered UGs, they also lamented the closing of some PCOs by police near the commando barracks.