Imphal: In a major step towards restoring peace in Manipur, 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-Taibanganba Group (KCP-TG), including four women, laid down arms and surrendered to govt on Tuesday during a homecoming ceremony held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal.The development came six days after CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced a 15‑day deadline, beginning Aug 12, for surrendering illegal weapons to strengthen peace efforts.Last month, 46 cadres of another faction — Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) — had also joined mainstream civilian life.Addressing the gathering, CM said the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, may have driven some individuals to take up arms and join insurgent groups. He lauded KCP-TG cadres for choosing peace, noting that “holding guns has never brought harmony”. CM assured that govt would extend all possible support to those who surrendered.He said the surrender was carried out under Revised Surrender‑cum‑Rehabilitation Policy, 2018, which provides each cadre a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for 36 months and a fixed-deposit grant of Rs 4 lakh. Govt will also facilitate skill-based training to help them earn a livelihood.Singh reiterated his support for implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur but discouraged the practice of calling bandhs, saying democratic protests should not disrupt education or daily wage earners. “Peace will prevail only when people give up arms,” he said.Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh praised the cadres for returning to their families and communities, urging them to remain committed to their decision. “The success of this homecoming will not be judged by today’s event, but by how they live in the future,” he said.During the ceremony, a formal acceptance of surrender was signed between govt and KCP-Taibanganba Group. Haobijam Dilip alias Taibanganba, chairperson of the outfit, signed on behalf of the group, while M Veto Singh, joint secretary (home), signed for govt.The cadres handed over 20 arms and 216 rounds of ammunition, including INSAS rifles, M22 rifles, RPGs, Lathod 40 mm launchers, revolvers, pistols, mortars and grenades, along with detonators and communication devices.
