165 militants from different insurgent groups have surrendered in the insurgency-affected districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh over the past six years, state Home Minister Mama Natung informed the assembly on Monday.
Responding to a written query from NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham, Natung said that between January 2020 and December 2025, security forces recorded the surrender of 47 militants in Tirap district, 41 in Changlang district and 77 in Longding district.
The minister said 50 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) surrendered in the three districts. Another 37 militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khango-Yung Aung) laid down arms. In addition, 35 rebels of the Eastern Naga National Government also surrendered during the period.
He also noted that two militants each from the United Liberation Front of Asom, a faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Eastern Naga National Organisation surrendered, while one cadre from another NSCN faction also gave up arms.
Speaking about rehabilitation measures, Natung said that surrendered cadres are provided benefits under the government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, including financial assistance amounting to Rs 1.4 crore in the last six years.
Natung said that a rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley district has been functional since January 9 last year and currently houses surrendered militants.
He also noted that vocational training programmes are being conducted to support the skill development of the surrendered cadres.
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He further stated that under the provisions of the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, cases relating to minor offences against successfully rehabilitated cadres may be considered for withdrawal in accordance with government policy.
However, Natung clarified that cadres involved in heinous offences such as murder, rape, abduction and other serious crimes will face due process of law and surrender will not be treated as amnesty from criminal liability.
He added that the government continues to monitor the reintegration and livelihood conditions of surrendered militants.
“The government has taken steps to strengthen the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme by sanctioning an additional stipend of Rs 6,000 per cadre and approving Rs 109.10 lakh for improvement of rehabilitation infrastructure,” he said.
