Rajbiraj, December 12

An underground outfit involved in armed activities in the Tarai for long submitted its arms in Saptari today.

A group of 11 persons of Janatantrik Tarai Liberation Front (Revolutionary) led by Abinas submitted their weapons at the Rajbiraj-based quarters of Chief District Officer Surendra Poudel in the presence of CDO Poudel and the government talks team Coordinator Som Prasad Pande and other members.

According to Saptari District Police Office SP Rajendra Bista, 11 pistols, three revolvers and nine bullets were submitted.

Submitting their weapons, Upendra Yadav, aka Abinas, Nathuni Yadav, Ram Pukar Sah, Yogendra Yadav, Bhawani Prasad Agariya and Badri Yadav, among others, pledged to lead a peaceful life.

“We came to the talks table after expelling our party coordinator (Jayakrishna Goit) from that responsibility,” said Abinas.

Goit, however, identified those surrendering to the authorities as those already facing expulsion from the party over irregularities. “Though the government has said it wants talks, I haven’t got any formal invitation for talks so far,” Goit told journalists over phone.

Further, accusing the government of failing to create conducive environment for talks, Goit said, “How can we sit for talks as the government is up for arresting our men even when the talks are on? We are ready for talks but only under the mediation of the United Nations,” he said.