An active cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Yung Aung) or NSCN-K (YA) surrendered before the Assam Rifles in Khonsa, Arunachal Pradesh. The surrender marks another success in the government’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the Northeast. The event took place during a formal ceremony organized by the Assam Rifles under the supervision of the Indian Army.
Officials confirmed that the surrendered cadre, identified as 28-year-old M. Wangpan from Tirap district, had been part of the NSCN-K (YA) for nearly six years. His surrender highlights the growing success of security forces’ outreach programs aimed at encouraging insurgents to return to the mainstream.
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NSCN-K Cadre Chooses Peace Over Violence
According to officials, Wangpan voluntarily approached the Assam Rifles post in Khonsa to lay down arms. He handed over a 7.65 mm pistol, live ammunition, and other materials linked to insurgent activities. Senior officers of the Assam Rifles, local police officials, and community leaders from nearby villages were present during the ceremony.
An officer from the Assam Rifles said that this surrender reflects the increasing faith of local youth in the government’s peace initiatives. “Our continuous dialogue and confidence-building measures are showing results. More youths now want to live peaceful lives rather than remain trapped in violence,” the officer said.
During his interaction with officials, Wangpan admitted that he grew disillusioned with the group’s ideology and frustrated with its lack of direction. He said he wants to contribute to community development and help restore peace in Tirap district.
Assam Rifles’ Efforts to Restore Stability
The Assam Rifles has long played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur. Besides security duties, it also focuses on community welfare and awareness campaigns that encourage militants to surrender.
Through friendship meetings, counselling drives, and sports events, the force has created platforms for young people to connect positively with the mainstream. This has reduced the recruitment of new cadres by extremist organizations.
Colonel Rajiv Sharma, Commandant of the Khonsa Battalion, said the surrender proves the impact of their people-friendly initiatives. He assured that the individual will receive rehabilitation benefits, including financial support and skill training, under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.
NSCN-K (YA) Losing Ground
The NSCN-K (YA), a faction of the original NSCN, emerged after the death of its founder, S.S. Khaplang. The group operates mainly in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. However, its activities have declined in recent years due to consistent counter-insurgency operations by the Assam Rifles and state police.
Intelligence sources stated that many cadres have already left the group or are seeking to surrender. Officials attribute this trend to both government outreach and the lack of internal unity within the organization.
A senior intelligence officer said, “Each surrender weakens the outfit’s operational network. It also sends a strong message that violence leads nowhere, while peace brings stability and development.”
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Efforts
The Arunachal Pradesh government, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has developed several programmes to reintegrate surrendered militants into society. These programmes provide skill development, counselling, and financial assistance to help former insurgents start new lives.
Officials said that rehabilitation is essential to ensure surrendered cadres do not return to underground activities. The government also works with private firms and non-governmental organizations to create employment opportunities for these individuals.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has repeatedly stressed that peace and development are inseparable. He said the government will continue supporting initiatives that encourage militants to give up arms and embrace a peaceful life.
Local Communities Welcome the Move
The surrender received a positive response from residents of Khonsa and surrounding villages. Community elders expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles for maintaining regular engagement with the youth. They said such efforts prevent young people from joining extremist organizations.
A local youth leader said that the surrender reflects a changing mindset among the younger generation. “We now see better opportunities through education and jobs. People no longer want to live in fear or uncertainty,” he said.
Local organizations and religious groups also praised the event. They emphasized that reconciliation and dialogue can heal old wounds and pave the way for progress in the Tirap-Changlang-Longding belt.
Assam Rifles’ Continued Commitment
Security officials reaffirmed their commitment to restoring complete peace in Arunachal Pradesh. They plan to continue their outreach programs to motivate more cadres from various insurgent groups to surrender.
An Assam Rifles spokesperson said, “We will keep strengthening our bond with local communities. The people of Arunachal are partners in maintaining peace. Together, we can ensure lasting security and prosperity.”
The Assam Rifles also plans to hold more skill development and educational awareness programs in border villages to guide the youth toward constructive paths. These initiatives are designed to replace insurgent influence with empowerment and opportunity.
Toward a Peaceful Arunachal Pradesh
Experts believe that each successful surrender brings the region closer to lasting peace. They say that strong coordination between the government, security forces, and local communities is key to ending decades of insurgency.
With more surrenders and fewer armed confrontations, the situation in Tirap and adjoining districts has improved considerably. Better road connectivity, new schools, and employment schemes are helping integrate once-neglected regions into the mainstream economy.
The Assam Rifles continues to urge remaining insurgents to surrender and join the development journey. It assures them of fair treatment and complete support under the government’s rehabilitation policy.
Hope for a Violence-Free Future
The surrender in Khonsa is not just an isolated incident but part of a wider change sweeping across the Northeast. It shows that peace and dialogue can succeed where force once ruled. As more cadres come forward, Arunachal Pradesh moves closer to becoming a model of reconciliation and stability.
Through cooperation, trust, and sustained development, the dream of a peaceful Northeast is becoming a reality. The Assam Rifles, the state government, and the people continue to work hand in hand to make that vision come true.
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