Itanagar: Three members of the banned United Tani Army (UTA) laid down arms before the police in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, marking another step in the state’s efforts to bring insurgents back to the mainstream.
The militants were identified as Jonali Basumutary, a self-styled corporal; Jummik Riba, the outfit’s finance secretary and self-styled lieutenant; and Sengseng Thowmoung, a self-styled major who also served as the area commander for eastern Arunachal.
They formally surrendered at the police headquarters in Itanagar in the presence of Home Minister Mama Natung, his advisor Mutchu Mithi, and Director General of Police Anand Mohan.
Natung told reporters the surrender reflects the success of the government’s ongoing initiative to persuade “misguided youth” to renounce violence.
He lauded the state police for their sustained outreach to the outfit’s cadre, while reiterating that the government maintains “zero tolerance for illegal groups threatening citizens’ lives.”
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Appealing to young people not to be swayed into militancy, the minister said: “There are many other ways to survive than picking up guns.”
According to officials, five UTA members have surrendered so far, while seven others have been arrested during recent operations.
The UTA, formed in December 2024 under the leadership of Anthony Doke, opposes mega dam projects in Arunachal Pradesh, the issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificates to non-indigenous communities, and has demanded the eviction of Chakma-Hajong refugees from the state.
