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Imphal, Sep 26 (IANS) More than 110 rebels belonging to various outlawed outfits surrendered their arms to Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in a ceremony here Wednesday, an official said. "As many as 114 rebels belonging to different banned factions in Manipur have laid down arms unconditionally," Assam Rifles spokesperson Amit Chettry said. In Manipur, there are more than 20 rebel outfits with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy. The rebels also surrendered a huge cache of weapons which included AK-47 rifles, carbines and pistols, the spokesperson said. The chief minister lauded the bold step taken by the rebels and said that peace and crime-free atmosphere would catalyse growth and development in Manipur. He also applauded the important role played by Assam Rifles in encouraging "misguided" youth to join the mainstream. The Assam Rifles spokesperson said the families of the surrendered rebels appreciated the role played by the paramilitary force in facilitating the surrender. "They (families) hope that the rehabilitation of these surrendered rebels will be done by the administration in a time-bound manner," Chettry said.
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