IMPHAL, July 21: In a major breakthrough for peace efforts in Manipur, 46 active cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) (KCP-PWG) surrendered before the state government and security forces on Tuesday, laying down 28 sophisticated weapons in one of the largest mass surrenders by the outfit.
The surrender ceremony, titled “Home Coming Ceremony”, was held at the Mantripukhri Garrison of Headquarters Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal East district in the presence of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, senior ministers, top civil and security officials, legislators and representatives of various security agencies.
The surrendered militants handed over an arsenal comprising AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), .303 rifles, pistols, carbines, double- and single-barrel guns, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, along with a large quantity of magazines, ammunition and explosives.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the surrendered cadres voluntarily chose to return to mainstream civilian life after sustained outreach by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security agencies, supported by the state government.
Officials described the development as a major security breakthrough, noting that none of the surrendered cadres were part of any previous peace agreement.
Founded in 1980, the KCP later splintered into several factions, with the People’s War Group emerging as one of the most active insurgent groups operating in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching. The outfit has been associated with various anti-national and criminal activities over the years.
Security officials said that while earlier surrenders from the KCP (PWG) generally involved small groups of five to twelve cadres, the simultaneous surrender of 46 active members represents an unprecedented setback for the organisation.
Although authorities stopped short of declaring the outfit defunct, they said the mass surrender had substantially weakened the faction’s operational capability, disrupted its regional networks and reduced its influence in the valley.
The Ministry of Defence said the success followed weeks of coordinated engagement by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and allied agencies, which adopted a restrained, civilian-centric approach to encourage militants to abandon violence and return to the mainstream.
Officials expressed hope that the development would help improve the security environment, facilitate infrastructure development and accelerate peace and economic progress in the region.
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