Imphal: Forty-six cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) surrendered before the authorities and laid down arms during a Homecoming Ceremony held at the Mantripukhri Garrison of the Assam Rifles in Imphal on Tuesday.
The surrendered cache included 28 firearms, comprising AK series rifles, AK-56 rifles, an INSAS rifle, an SLR, a 9 mm carbine, .303 rifles, an RPG launcher, pistols, single and double-barrel guns, along with 16 magazines, nine RPG shells, 23 hand grenades, 40 electric detonators, six sets of 27 detonators, 300 blasting caps, seven improvised explosive devices weighing about 15 kg, seven communication devices and 342 rounds of ammunition.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said Manipur had remained peaceful before the violence that began on May 3, 2023, and expressed concern over the rise of gun culture in the state.
He said sustained operations by Central and state security forces had led to the recovery of more than 8,000 weapons. Since the present government assumed office on February 4 this year, more than 1,200 firearms have been recovered, including around 600 weapons looted from government armouries, he added.
The Chief Minister welcomed the surrendered cadres and said the government would extend assistance under the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North Eastern States, 2018, including rehabilitation support and a monthly stipend.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said surrendered cadres would receive a monthly stipend of up to Rs 6,000 for three years and a rehabilitation grant of Rs 4 lakh in the form of a fixed deposit under the scheme. He appealed to other insurgents to return to the mainstream.
Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said the surrender reflected growing confidence among insurgents in the peace process and expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to lasting peace in the state.
General Officer Commanding 3 Corps Lt. Gen. Girish Kalia also addressed the gathering, saying peace and stability were essential for development.
The ceremony was attended by Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, legislators, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, and senior officers of the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces, Manipur Police and the civil administration.