Imphal: The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) Military Council Unification has officially dismissed the recent homecoming ceremony held in Manipur, describing it as a “fake surrender drama.”
In a statement issued by its Publicity and Research Officer (PRO), Chingkheinganba, the outfit claimed that none of its active cadres or Central Committee members participated in the surrender programme.
The group said it continues to function under the leadership of Chairman Lamyanba Khuman and Vice Chairman Poirei Meitei, maintaining that its organisational structure remains intact and that it is continuing its campaign for what it described as the independence of Kangleipak (Manipur).
The outfit alleged that the individuals presented during the ceremony were not active members of the organisation. It claimed they included former members and civilians, including rickshaw pullers and drug users, and compared the event to what it called similar “fake surrender” programmes in the past.
The statement also asserted that Laishram Ranjit alias Tam-Nganba, who identified himself as the chairman of KCP-PWG during the ceremony, had already been expelled from the organisation for alleged anti-party and anti-social activities. It further claimed that Md Mani alias Ning-Tamba, Moirangthem Mohen alias Pari-Macha, and Oinam Somendro alias Lan-Ngamba had also been expelled.
The outfit denied issuing single-barrel or double-barrel firearms to its cadres and alleged that the weapons displayed during the surrender ceremony had been procured by the Assam Rifles from Kuki groups.
It also expressed disappointment over the presence of the Manipur government at the event, saying the statement was being issued to clarify its position following widespread media coverage of the homecoming ceremony.
The statement comes days after 46 alleged active cadres of the banned KCP-PWG surrendered before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East on July 21. Led by Laishram Ranjit alias Tamnganba, the group laid down 28 sophisticated weapons in what the state government described as a significant step towards peace in Manipur.