In a significant development, 46 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) officially joined the mainstream society during a homecoming ceremony held at Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters IG Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal East on Tuesday. This marks the first such laying down of arms by the KCP-PWG outfit since the outbreak of conflict in Manipur. The surrendered cadres, led by its chairman L Ranjit, laid down their arms before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, in the presence of Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
The ceremony was also attended by Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Manipur, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, Senior officers of the Army, Assam Rifles, State Police, CAPFs, and civil administration. The surrendered weapons include 28 arms, including three AK series, four AK-56 rifle, one INSAS Ex-Calibur, one SLR, one 9 mm Carbine, three 303 rifles, one RPG, two 9 mm pistol, one 7.65 mm pistol, two double barrel, nine single barrel along with 16 magazines, nine RPG shells, 23 hand grenades, 40 electric detonators, 6 no 27 detonators, 300 blasting caps, seven IEDs weighing approximately 15 kg, along with seven communication devices and 342 ammunitions. Addressing the Homecoming Ceremony, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that Manipur had enjoyed a peaceful environment before the unfortunate incidents of May 3, 2023, with people in both the hills and the valley living together peacefully.
He observed that the violence had led to the emergence of an alarming gun culture, which has unfortunately affected the State. The Chief Minister appreciated all citizens who voluntarily surrendered weapons, describing them as peace-loving individuals committed to restoring normalcy. He welcomed the surrendered cadres for choosing the path to the mainstream and contribute towards a peaceful future.
He also assured full support for the implementation of the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North Eastern States, 2018, including rehabilitation assistance and stipend for surrendered cadres. The Chief Minister said that sustained efforts by the Central and State security forces have resulted in the recovery of more than 8,000 weapons. He further stated that since the formation of the present Government on February 4 this year, over 1,200 firearms have been recovered, including around 600 weapons looted from the government armoury.
He lauded the dedicated and concerted efforts of the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order and protecting civilians. He noted that during the crisis in May 2023, more than 47,000 displaced persons belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities were safely evacuated and provided protection in relief camps and other secure locations by the security forces. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed that as per the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, a monthly stipend of up to Rs 6,000 for three years and a rehabilitation grant of Rs 4 lakh as a fixed deposit will be provided to the surrendered cadres.
He appealed to all insurgents to return to the path of peace. Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said that the Homecoming Ceremony reflects the growing confidence of misguided youths in the peace process. He expressed hope that the initiative would become a model for other insurgency-affected States and serve as an effective instrument for achieving lasting peace in Manipur.
Lt. Gen Girish Kalia, GOC 3 Corps also addressed the gathering and remarked that no society can progress under the shadow of conflict. He expressed confidence that the surrender and rehabilitation initiatives would strengthen peace, stability and development in the State. The Kangleipak Communist Party was formed in 1980 and later split into several factions.
The People’s War Group emerged as one of its splinter groups and has been active in parts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts. Officials said earlier surrenders by the KCP (PWG) generally involved much smaller groups. The surrender of 46 cadres at one time is among the largest reported by the faction.
Security officials said the development is expected to weaken the group’s operational network in the valley and could facilitate development activities in areas affected by insurgency. However, they stopped short of describing it as the end of the KCP (PWG), noting that the outfit’s remaining network continues to be assessed.
