Imphal, Aug. 14: Altogether 68 militants belonging to different groups laid down arms before chief minister N. Biren Singh in a function christened the "homecoming ceremony" at the banquet hall of the First Manipur Rifles here today.

The militants belong to United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, Kangleipak Communist Party, Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive). There were four women among the cadres.

They submitted eight weapons, including three AK-series files, one M-16 rifle, one lethod gun and three pistols with ammunition.

Welcoming the "homecoming" of the militants, Biren Singh assured them that they would be provided foolproof security and proper rehabilitation so that they can settle into a normal life.

This is the first mass surrender by militants after the BJP-led government came to power in the state in March this year.

Biren Singh said a nodal officer would be appointed to look after the welfare of the surrendered militants. "In the past, surrendered militants were not treated properly by the government, resulting in violence among themselves. This government is committed to taking care of the surrendered rebels," he said.

Informing that his government sent a revised surrender and rehabilitation policy to the Union home ministry for its approval, the chief minister appealed to all the militants living in the jungles to come forward and talk to the government.

Jame alias Uttam, who joined the PLA in 1979, said he decided to come back to the mainstream after convincing himself that the armed movement could never restore Manipur's independence.

"The armed conflict is going on for more than 40 years in Manipur. The conflict has only caused death and destruction. So the best solution is to use non-violence that is to hold dialogues with the government. The Centre can follow Myanmar's way of dialogues where after declaring a ceasefire, the neighbouring government holds talks with militant groups by allowing the groups to stay in their own respective camps with their weapons during the talks," Jame said.

A cadre of the UNLF urged the chief minister to keep his promise of protection and welfare of the surrendered militants. If they are properly rehabilitated others will also come out of the jungle life, he hoped.