Manipur: 46 KCP (PWG) Cadres Lay Down Arms Under Rehabilitation Initiative

IMPHAL: In a significant development in Manipur’s ongoing peace efforts, 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) surrendered their weapons and joined the mainstream during a Homecoming Ceremony held at Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) on July 21.

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The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, senior officials of the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Manipur Police, and the state administration.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Singh said Manipur had experienced a peaceful social environment before the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, and noted that the subsequent conflict had led to the emergence of an alarming gun culture in the state. He stressed that violence and the proliferation of firearms cannot bring lasting peace, urging all those still involved in insurgency to choose the path of reconciliation.

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The Chief Minister stated that coordinated efforts by Central and State security agencies have resulted in the recovery of more than 8,000 weapons across the state. He added that since the formation of the present government on February 4, security forces have recovered over 1,200 firearms, including nearly 600 weapons looted from government armouries.

Welcoming the surrendered cadres, Singh appreciated those who voluntarily laid down their arms, describing them as citizens committed to restoring peace and normalcy. He assured the former insurgents that the government would fully implement the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North Eastern States, 2018, including financial assistance and rehabilitation support to facilitate their reintegration into society.

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The Chief Minister also commended the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and other security agencies for maintaining law and order during the state’s recent crisis. He noted that during the violence of May 2023, security forces safely evacuated and protected more than 47,000 displaced persons belonging to both the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Interacting with the surrendered cadres during the programme, Singh encouraged them to contribute to the state’s development and assured KCP (PWG) Chairman L. Ranjit of the government’s support for rehabilitation.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed that under the rehabilitation policy, surrendered cadres would receive a monthly stipend of up to ₹6,000 for three years, along with a rehabilitation grant of ₹4 lakh, to be maintained as a fixed deposit. He appealed to other insurgents to abandon violence and participate in the peace process.

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Director General of Police Mukesh Singh described the Homecoming Ceremony as an indication of growing confidence among misguided youths in the state’s peace initiatives. He expressed hope that the rehabilitation programme would become a model for other insurgency-affected regions in the country.

Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Corps, also addressed the gathering, stating that no society can progress under the shadow of conflict. He expressed confidence that the surrender and rehabilitation initiatives would contribute to long-term peace, stability, and development in Manipur.

During the ceremony, the surrendered cadres handed over a substantial cache of arms and explosives, including 28 firearms—among them AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, carbines, pistols, RPGs, and .303 rifles—along with magazines, grenades, RPG shells, detonators, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication equipment, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

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The event was also attended by Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Secretary of Manipur, the Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, and senior officers from the armed forces and civil administration.

The surrender of 46 KCP (PWG) cadres represents another step in Manipur’s ongoing peace and rehabilitation process. While security challenges remain, the government views such initiatives as an important component of long-term efforts to reduce insurgency, encourage reconciliation, and promote stability and development across the state.