Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - In a significant development, 165 militants from various insurgent groups have laid down their arms in the insurgency-affected districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh over the last six years. State Home Minister Mama Natung informed the assembly on Monday that between January 2020 and December 2025, a total of 47 militants surrendered in Tirap district, 41 in Changlang district, and 77 in Longding district.
The minister said that 50 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim surrendered in the three districts, while 37 militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland laid down arms. Additionally, 35 rebels of the Eastern Naga National Government also surrendered during the period.
Natung further stated that the surrendered cadres are provided benefits under the government's Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, including financial assistance amounting to ₹1.4 crore in the last six years. A rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley district has been operational since January 9 last year, and the surrendered cadres are currently staying there.
Vocational training programmes are also being conducted for the skill development of the surrendered militants. During the current fiscal, short-term vocational training was provided to 26 cadres, the minister said. However, Natung clarified that cadres involved in heinous offences such as murder, rape, abduction, and other serious crimes will face due process of law and surrender will not be treated as amnesty from criminal liability.
