IMPHAL: In one of the largest militant surrenders witnessed in Manipur in recent years, 46 active cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)], including the outfit’s founder chairman Laishram Ranjit alias Tamnganba, surrendered before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Mantripukhri Garrison of Headquarters Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal East on Tuesday.
The mass surrender is being seen as a major boost to the state’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and dismantle insurgent networks, with the cadres renouncing violence and joining the mainstream.
The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Art and Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, the General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), and senior civil, police and military officials.
During the event, the surrendered militants deposited 28 weapons, including assault rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles (SLRs), carbines, pistols, double-barrel and single-barrel guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher. A substantial cache of magazines, ammunition and explosives was also handed over to the security forces.
According to officials, the surrender was the outcome of sustained confidence-building measures and coordinated outreach undertaken by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security agencies with the support of the State Government. The initiative persuaded the cadres to abandon the path of militancy and return to civilian life.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the development as a significant milestone in Manipur’s peace process.
“After the crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023, many youths from both the hills and the valley took up arms. Gun culture cannot ensure peace, development or prosperity. I welcome all those who have chosen to return to the mainstream and contribute towards building a peaceful Manipur,” the Chief Minister said.
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Khemchand said the recovery of illegal weapons has remained one of the government’s top priorities since the outbreak of the crisis.
He noted that more than 8,000 weapons have been recovered through joint operations carried out by the State Government and Central security forces since May 2023.
The Chief Minister further said that since his government assumed office, over 1,200 arms have been recovered, including around 600 firearms that were looted from state police armouries during the violence.
Expressing optimism, Khemchand said the surrender should encourage more underground cadres to shun violence and join the democratic process, adding that lasting peace is essential for rebuilding public confidence and accelerating Manipur’s development.
