As many as 165 militants from different insurgent groups have surrendered in insurgency-affected districts of Arunachal Pradesh over the past six years, state Home Minister Mama Natung informed the Assembly on March 9.
Responding to a written question by Thangwang Wangham, Natung stated that between January 2020 and December 2025, a total of 47 militants surrendered before security forces in Tirap district, 41 in Changlang district and 77 in Longding district.
Among the surrendered militants, 50 cadres belonged to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), while 37 were members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khango-Yung Aung). Additionally, 35 militants of the Eastern Naga National Government laid down arms during the period.
The minister further said that 27 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) surrendered, along with 14 members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation), five of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khango-Nonny) and four of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Unification).
Two militants each from the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-2) and the Eastern Naga National Organisation also surrendered, while one cadre from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Ang) laid down arms during the same period.
Natung informed the House that surrendered militants are provided benefits under the government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme. Over the last six years, financial assistance amounting to ₹1.4 crore has been disbursed under the scheme.
He said a rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar Rehabilitation Camp has been operational since January 9 last year, where the surrendered militants are currently staying. Vocational training programmes are also being conducted to help develop their skills. During the current financial year, 26 cadres received short-term vocational training.
However, the minister clarified that the scheme does not guarantee direct employment or housing. Cases involving minor offences against successfully rehabilitated cadres may be considered for withdrawal under government policy.
He further stated that militants involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape and abduction will face due legal process, and surrender does not exempt them from criminal liability.
Natung added that the government regularly monitors the reintegration and livelihood status of surrendered militants. To strengthen the rehabilitation programme, the state government has sanctioned an additional stipend of ₹6,000 per cadre and approved ₹109.10 lakh to improve rehabilitation infrastructure.
