Vladikavkaz, Russia ? In an apparent gesture of conciliation, 46 Chechen rebels surrendered their weapons to Russian troops on Saturday, the eve of a constitutional referendum aimed at bringing peace to the troubled region.

President Vladimir Putin has said the referendum will promote peace, but critics say it’s a cosmetic change and won’t do anything to discourage rebels who attack Russian troops almost every day. Hundreds of protesters also rallied Saturday in the capital, Grozny, many carrying photographs of killed or missing relatives.

“Putin, give us our children back,” said one of the signs they carried. “A referendum held on blood,” said another.

At the handover ceremony in Grozny, Russian and pro-Moscow Chechen officials looked on as 46 rebels gave up their weapons, said the city’s mayor, Oleg Zhidkov.

All 46 will be exempt from criminal prosecution, the Interfax news agency quoted Chechen administration chief Akhmad Kadyrov as saying. TVS television showed footage of men handing over automatic rifles and Russian troops carrying away a mortar.

There was no way to confirm if the men who handed over weapons were actually rebels. Interfax reported that at least 62 rebels had given up their weapons earlier this year, but that has barely reduced the rebels’ strength.

The ceremony came a day before Chechnya was to vote on approving a new constitution, which would put the region under Russian law. Putin has said it will help create a legitimate political system, but human rights advocates argue that no fair vote is possible in conditions of war.

Critics say the referendum cannot take the place of negotiations with rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov — an option Moscow has ruled out.

“If Moscow really wants peace and stability in Chechnya, Putin must leave aside his ambitions and talk to the people who are fighting, and not with those who are loyal to Russia,” said Aset Musayeva, a 45-year-old Grozny resident.