46 KCP-PWG cadres surrender with arms, ammunition, warlike stores
Correspondent
IMPHAL, Jul 21: Forty-six cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), including the chairman of the faction, laid down arms during a homecoming ceremony hosted by the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) at its premises in Imphal’s Mantripukhri on Tuesday.
A total of 28 weapons, including AK series rifles, RPGs, pistols and other war-like stores comprising grenades, IEDs, detonators, ammunition and wireless sets were surrendered to the security forces were also displayed during the ceremony.
Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who attended the ceremony, said that the decision to renounce violence and join the national mainstream by the cadres was a significant step towards lasting peace and stability.
“I commend the 46 cadres of KCP-PWG for returning to the mainstream by surrendering 28 weapons along with a large quantity of magazines, ammunition, and explosives,” Singh said.
The chief minister asserted 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 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 appreciated all citizens who voluntarily surrendered weapons, describing them as peace-loving individuals committed to restoring normalcy.
Stating that conflict and gun culture can never bring peace, he welcomed the surrendered cadres for choosing the path to the mainstream and contributing towards a peaceful future.
Singh 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 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.
Later, Singh interacted with the surrendered insurgents and thanked them for choosing the path of peace.
He assured chairman (KCP-PWG) L Ranjit all possible help.
State 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 four lakhs as a fixed deposit will be provided to the surrendered cadres.
Konthoujam further said that nature makes Manipur more beautiful and emphasized that restoring peace should be prioritized now so that all communities could live harmoniously.
He also appealed to all insurgents to return to the path of peace.
Speaking on the occasion, state DGP Mukesh Singh said that the homecoming ceremony reflected 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, in his address, 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 surrendered weapons include 28 arms – three AK series, four AK-56 rifle, one INSAS Ex-Caliber, one SLR, one 9 mm carbine, three .303 rifles, one RPG, two 9 mm pistol, one 7.65 mm pistol, two double barrel guns, nine single barrel guns along with 16 magazines.
The cadres also surrendered nine RPG shells, 23 hand grenades, 40 electric detonators, six detonators, 300 blasting caps, seven IEDs weighing around 15 kg, along with seven communication devices and 342 rounds of ammunition.
Others who attended the homecoming ceremony were state art & culture minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, state chief secretary, security advisor to the government of Manipur, senior officers of the Army, Assam Rifles, state police, CAPFs and civil administration.