Manipur: 42 KCP-PWG Cadres Surrender With Arms, Return to Mainstream in Major Peace Initiative

Imphal, July 21: In a major boost to ongoing peace efforts in Manipur, 46 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party–People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) surrendered before the state government and security forces on Monday, laying down their weapons and returning to the mainstream.

The surrender ceremony was jointly organised by the Government of Manipur and Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) at the Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters Assam Rifles (South), in Imphal East district. The cadres formally surrendered before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in the presence of senior ministers, top civil officials, and security personnel.

The event was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, the Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Secretary, the Security Adviser to the Government of Manipur, the General Officer Commanding Spear Corps, Director General of Police Mukesh, IG Assam Rifles (South), the Home Commissioner, DIG CRPF, and other senior officers from the administration and security agencies.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the law and order situation in Manipur was gradually improving despite the rise in armed activities following the 2023 crisis. He stated that nearly 8,000 weapons have been disarmed across the state, while around 1,200 firearms, including 600 looted weapons, have been recovered since the present government assumed office five months ago.

The Chief Minister appealed to members of other armed groups to abandon violence and embrace peace, emphasizing that sustainable development and progress in Manipur could only be achieved through harmony. He also assured that the state government would extend all benefits available under its surrender and rehabilitation policy to those willing to return to normal life.

Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh described the mass surrender as a landmark development, noting that it was the first surrender of KCP-PWG cadres since the outbreak of the May 2023 conflict. He praised the coordinated efforts of security forces in facilitating the return of the militants and encouraged other insurgent groups operating within and outside the state to join the peace process.

According to the Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing), the surrendered cadres voluntarily handed over 28 sophisticated firearms, including AK-series rifles, .303 rifles, pistols, INSAS rifles, Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), double-barrel and single-barrel guns, a Carbine Machine Gun, and a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher. A large quantity of ammunition, magazines, and explosives was also surrendered.

Officials described the development as particularly significant because none of the surrendered cadres were covered under any previous peace agreement. Established on April 14, 1980, the KCP later split into several factions, with the People’s War Group (PWG) becoming one of the active insurgent factions operating mainly in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kakching districts.

While smaller groups of five to twelve KCP-PWG cadres had surrendered in previous years, the surrender of 46 active members at once marks the largest-ever surrender by the faction. Although officials stopped short of declaring the complete dissolution of the group, they said the surrender had substantially weakened its operational capabilities and significantly reduced its influence in the valley.

Authorities attributed the success to weeks of coordinated outreach by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other security agencies, supported by the state government. Officials said the sustained engagement and people-centric approach encouraged the cadres to abandon militancy, creating new opportunities for peace, infrastructure development, and economic growth in the region.

Under the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States, 2018, each surrendered cadre will receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹4 lakh, to be kept in a fixed deposit for three years, along with a monthly stipend of ₹6,000 for three years. Additional incentives will be provided for surrendered weapons. During the rehabilitation period, the cadres will stay in designated camps and receive vocational training to support their reintegration into society.

Director General of Police Mukesh reaffirmed that the combined efforts of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and other security agencies would continue to strengthen peace, maintain security, and ensure lasting stability across Manipur.