Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has appealed to insurgents to shun arms and join mainstream society while assuring his government's help to those choosing to lead a normal life over violence.
Sarkar also urged disgruntled elements to be a part of democracy and participate in the process of development.
Sarkar was addressing newly elected members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
"From this historical meeting, I appeal to all those who are still following the dangerous path of insurgency, that it is examined and proved, this is an incorrect path. Shun arms and come back to normal
life and take initiative to start a new life. Try to be established in the society and be a part of the democracy," Sarkar said at TTAADC headquarters in Khumlwung.
"On behalf of the government, we have helped many others and they are leading a new life. We are assuring you the same so that you shun violence and the wrong path and try to lead a normal life. From our side, we assure you of all positive help," he added.
Sarkar further said that the peace-loving people of Tripura are responsible for gradual decrease in insurgency over the years.
"Peace and tranquility of our state was once disturbed and development was hampered. They (militants) tried to spoil the confidence amongst us (tribal and non-tribal). They were cornered by the peace-loving tribal and non-tribal people of Tripura but we must not suffer from complacency since a small section of them are still active. They often try to disturb the internal peace and harmony of the state," he said.
Sarkar also expressed concern over a small group of people, who are still trying to disrupt the peace and harmony in the state, and warned the youth to be wary of them.
During the event, Radhacharan Debbarma and Ranjit Debbarma also took oath as Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Chairman of the Tribal Council respectively.
"Our main target is exemplary development in the council area to improve the standard of life of people, forgetting their political or any other identity, within the council area helping them with the limited resources and power. Development is possible when peace and tranquility prevails," Radhacharan Debbarma said.
The TTAADC came into existence under the sixth schedule of the Constitution in 1984 to safeguard the economic, political and cultural interests of the tribals.
