ATTF militants surrender in Tripura

Agartala, July 05 (UNI) All Tripura Tigers Force (AITF) militants today surrendered before the Border Security Force (BSF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) S K Alva at Teliamura near here.

They laid down one AK series rifle, three magazines and 99 live ammunition.

Police said the youths, in their early twenties, confessed that they were operating from their base camp in Dolubari in Moulavi Bazar district of Bangladesh. They all belonged to south Tripura and had joined the ATTF in 2002.

When asked the reason for their surrender, they alleged they were not treated properly in the camps and there was acute shortage of food items and other logistics support. Moreover, intra- group rivalry was also on the rise, they added.

'' The leaders enjoy a lavish life in major cities of Bangladesh like Dhaka and Chittagong, whereas we are deprived of even the basic amenities,'' Niranjoy Reang, a self styled corporal of the outfit said.

Dhiren Reang, another self styled corporal, said the ISI had provided extensive training to them in different camps, spread over the entire Chittagong Hill Tracts. '' We were taught to use hand grenades, bombs of both high and low intensity as well as highly sophisticated weapons''. He stated that there are about 600 cadres of ATTF in Bangladesh, including six female cadres.

When asked what compelled them to take up arms, they said they were ''motivated'' by the ATTF. '' But the very decision (of taking up arms), is the biggest mistake we have committed. Now we want to return to the mainstream and lead a normal life,'' said Niranjoy.

All three expressed their desire to join the armed forces and serve the country.

DIG S K Alva congratulated the youths for returning to the mainstream and promised every possible help.

'' At the Centre and state governments initiative, more and more youths are returning to the mainstream. It is a very positive sign,'' said Alva. He claimed that border fencing has helped in curbing militancy and cross border terrorism in the entire NE region.

UNI PD KK RN PR RK1828