165 Militants Surrender in Arunachal Pradesh Over Last Six Years

In a significant step toward regional stability, 165 militants from various insurgent groups have laid down their arms in Arunachal Pradesh between January 2020 and December 2025.

State Home Minister Mama Natung shared these figures in a written response to NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham during an Assembly session on Monday. The surrenders were concentrated in the “TCL” region—Tirap, Changlang, and Longding—districts historically impacted by insurgency.

Breakdown of Surrenders by District

The Longding district saw the highest number of militants returning to the mainstream, accounting for nearly half of the total surrenders.

Groups Involved

The Minister noted that the cadres belonged to several factions, most notably:

• NSCN factions: 50 members from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim and 37 from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
• ENNG: 35 rebels from the Eastern Naga National Government.

Rehabilitation and Financial Support

To ensure a smooth transition back into society, the state government has utilized its Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme.

• Financial Aid: Over the past six years, ₹1.4 crore has been distributed to former militants to support their reintegration.
• Housing & Training: A dedicated rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar (Lower Dibang Valley) has been operational since January 9, 2025.
• Skill Development: The government is focusing on self-reliance; 26 cadres have already completed short-term vocational training during the current financial year.

No Immunity for Serious Crimes

While the government encourages the peace process, Minister Natung issued a firm reminder regarding the rule of law. He clarified that surrender does not equate to a “get out of jail free” card for those involved in heinous acts.

“Militants involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, and abduction will face the due legal process. Surrender will not be treated as immunity from criminal liability,” the Minister stated.

The state continues to monitor the livelihood status of these individuals to ensure they remain successfully integrated into the community.