46 KCP-Taibanganba Group Cadres Surrender with Arms in Manipur
Forty-six cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-Taibanganba Group surrendered with arms before the Manipur government and security forces on Tuesday, August 18, in a significant move towards returning to civilian life.
The cadres, including the group’s chairman, laid down their arms during a “Home Coming Ceremony”held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal.
During the ceremony, the surrendered cadres handed over 20 arms, 216 rounds of ammunition and three explosives to the authorities.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who attended the event as the chief guest, said the ongoing crisis in Manipur had led many young people to join armed groups, believing it was a way to protect the state.
However, he stressed that lasting peace and development could not be achieved through weapons. He welcomed the cadres’ decision to abandon armed activities and return to the mainstream.
The Chief Minister said the 46 cadres surrendered under the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, 2018. He added that the government would provide skill development training to help the former cadres establish sustainable livelihoods after their return to civilian life.
Singh appreciated the KCP-Taibanganba Group for choosing the path of peace and joining the mainstream.
Speaking on the demand for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, the Chief Minister said the state government supported the demand and had already taken steps through a Cabinet decision and a resolution adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
He also appealed to organisations calling bandhs and shutdowns to withdraw such protests, stating that they affect the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people. Singh urged groups to use democratic methods to raise their demands.
The surrender ceremony was attended by senior ministers, civil administration officials, police and security force officers and other dignitaries.
