CM Urges More To March Toward PeaceImphal: Altogether 46 active cadres, including the chairperson of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), laid down arms on Tuesday to join mainstream civilian life during a homecoming ceremony organised by the Manipur home department and the IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri Garrison of the Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal.Among those who surrendered were four women cadres. They handed over 28 weapons, including AK rifles, .303 rifles, pistols, double and single-barrel rifles, an INSAS rifle, a self-loading rifle, carbine machine guns and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, along with a large quantity of magazines, ammunition and explosives.A defence PRO statement described the event as highly significant, noting that none of the cadres previously participated in peace agreements. It said the surrender directly addressed the legacy of the KCP, founded on April 14, 1980, by communist ideologues Y Ibohanbi and Ibopishak. Over time, ideological divisions splintered the group into several factions, with the PWG emerging as one of the most disruptive, impacting valley districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching through anti-social and anti-national activities.The PRO added that earlier surrenders from the KCP-PWG occurred in smaller groups of five to 12 cadres. “The simultaneous submission of 46 active members is unprecedented for this faction. While it may not mark its complete dissolution, it represents a major setback that dismantles its regional networks and territorial influence,” the statement said.CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh welcomed the cadres for choosing peace, recalling that Manipur was largely peaceful before the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023. He said the unrest led to an alarming gun culture, adding that security forces have recovered more than 8,000 illegal arms since the conflict began.Singh said sustained operations are underway to recover looted weapons, with about 1,200 firearms seized since the formation of the present govt on Feb 4, including 600 taken from govt armoury. He urged those still holding illegal arms to surrender and join the path of peace, stressing that “gun culture has no place in Manipur’s future.”State home minister Govindas Konthoujam announced that surrendered cadres will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for three years and a rehabilitation grant of Rs 4 lakh as a fixed deposit. He said lasting peace is a collective responsibility and appealed to others to come forward and help build a peaceful and prosperous state.In an interaction with reporters, KCP-PWG chairperson Laishram Ranjit said the group decided to abandon armed struggle to focus on economic revolution and promote a work culture aimed at rebuilding Manipur. He urged the govt to ensure proper rehabilitation for the returning cadres.
