A notable step toward peace and reconciliation unfolded in Manipur as forty-six members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-Taibanganba Group, including four women, surrendered their weapons and joined the mainstream. The homecoming ceremony took place at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, following a 15-day ultimatum issued by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh for the surrender of illegal weapons to reinforce the ongoing peace process.
Weapons Surrendered and Ceremony Details
The state Home Department organized the formal event at the parade ground, where the returning cadres deposited a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. In total, 46 cadres laid down 20 weapons, 216 rounds of ammunition, and 3 explosives. The recovered inventory included INSAS rifles, an M22 rifle, an RPG, a 40 mm launcher, an SLR, revolvers, and several 9 mm and.32 calibre pistols. The cache also featured 51 mm mortar rounds, miscellaneous ammunition cartridges, hand grenades, detonators, and Baofeng communication sets equipped with chargers.
Chief Minister Remarks on Violence and Rehabilitation
Addressing the assembled gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that the violence which erupted across Manipur on May 3, 2023, might have driven certain individuals to pick up arms and affiliate with insurgent outfits. Underscoring that armed struggle had consistently failed to deliver peace to the state, he welcomed the decision of the cadres to abandon violence.
Assuring the surrendered individuals of complete government backing, the chief minister noted that, “Peace will prevail only when people give up arms.” The reintegration will be carried out under the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, 2018. Under the guidelines of this policy, each cadre qualifies for a monthly stipend reaching up to Rs 6,000 for a duration of 36 months, alongside a fixed deposit grant amounting to Rs 4 lakh. Furthermore, the administration will arrange skill development and vocational training programs to assist the former cadres in establishing sustainable livelihoods.
Formal Agreements and Official Attendance
A formal agreement ratifying the surrender was signed during the proceedings. Haobijam Dilip alias Taibanganba, chairman of the group, signed on behalf of the outfit, while M Veto Singh, Joint Secretary for the Home Department, executed the document for the state government. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Art and Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, multiple MLAs, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and senior officials representing the civil administration, Manipur Police, and central security forces.
Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh remarked that the decision by the cadres to discard armed activities signifies their reintegration with their families, communities, and fundamental responsibilities as citizens. He emphasized that the police force will continue fulfilling its constitutional duties while aiding those who genuinely forsake violence and pursue civilian life through legal surrender and rehabilitation channels. The DGP urged the participants to remain steadfast in their choice, pointing out that the success of the homecoming rests heavily on their future conduct rather than the ceremony itself.
NRC Stance and Public Protests
During the event, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh reiterated that the administration supports implementing the National Register of Citizens in Manipur. At the same time, he voiced opposition to utilizing bandhs as a method of protest, urging groups to choose alternative democratic channels because frequent shutdowns severely impact students, daily wage earners, and broader society.
This development follows a similar homecoming event held roughly a month prior on July 21 at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal, where 46 cadres belonging to the KCP-PWG also surrendered.
