Guwahati, Jan 2 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has expressed satisfaction over militants giving up arms and regaining the mainstream.

Addressing a press conference here, Gogoi said: “All insurgent groups, have realised the futility of continuing with the armed struggle.”

“They have realised it. As a result of which, a large number of them have come to the mainstream,” he added.

The state has a half-dozen rebel groups fighting for independent homelands for an estimated 26 million Assamese people.

Insurgent groups contend that the State and Central Governments have neglected economic development of the area and exploited the use of vast natural resources like oil, tea, bamboo and timber.

Gogoi also commended the initiative of locals in speaking out openly against rebel groups.

“Never before I have seen people speaking out so openly. It is good sign, people should come out and speak openly. Unless you speak out, how they will realise that the people are against them,” Gogoi said. (ANI)