In Assam, altogether 1695 militant cadres belonging to nine ethnic tribal ultra groups today surrendered before the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and the state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at an arms laying down ceremony held at Guwahati this morning.
The militants deposited about 200 arms at the function.
Addressing the function, Mr. Chidambaram said that today was a historic day for peace and reconciliation in Assam. He said that all differences can be settled through peaceful negotiations. The Home minister stressed that there is no hurdles that can not be solved through peaceful talks.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that only through democratic process, the militancy problems can be solved. He said the centre and the state government are keen to settle the problem of the militants. He also appealed to the Paresh Barua led ULFA group to come forward for negotiations.
