Three top NLFT militants surrender

Agartala, Nov 22 (UNI) Three dreaded militants of National Liberation Front of Tripura's (NLFT) Biswamohan Faction surrendered before the 36 Assam Rifles at Kanchanpur in Tripura's North District last night.

According to Assam Rifles sources, the militants laid down fire arms, including an AK-47 rifle, few chinese granades, three AK magazines with 97 rounds of ammunitions, web equipment, commando dagger and other incriminating documents revealing details of weapons held with the remaining militants of the group.

The militants who surrendered are Self Styled Warrant Officer Rabindra Reang alias Ruphai, Self Styled Lance Corporal Steven Debbarma and Raj Prasad Reang alias Khosai. Ruphai has a cash reward of Rs one lakh declared on him by the Tripura government. Khosai has a number of criminal cases, including murder and extortion pending against him.

The sources further said the surrendered militants gave many important details regarding the activities of the NLFT(BM) group.

''They further revealed that more cadres are opting for surrender due to acute frustation of jungle life and immense pressure from the security forces. Insecurity and fear of their families being targetted by other militants were the reasons for holding them back,'' informed the sources.

The militants also revealed that many more cadres will surrender in the days to come, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Tripura State Rifle jawans recovered one country made gun from a remote village in a counter-insurgency operation.

UNI PD-PB-BA-BS1352