Imphal: In a major step towards peace, reconciliation and development in Manipur, 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party – Taibanganba Group, including 4 women cadres, laid down arms and surrendered to the Government today. The “Homecoming Ceremony” was organized by the Home Department at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal.
The homecoming ceremony happened after the Chief Minister publicly announced a deadline to surrender illegal weapons within 15 days to strengthen peace efforts on 12th of August last.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh believed that the crisis that took place on May 3, 2023, may have instigated some individuals to pick up arms and join insurgent groups.
The government lauded the rebel group for coming forward to surrender, stating that holding guns has not brought peace. He added that the government would extend all possible support to those who have surrendered.
He maintained that the surrender was taking place under the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, 2018, under which each surrendered cadre would be provided a monthly stipend of up to Rs.6,000 for 36 months and a fixed deposit grant of Rs. 4 lakh. He added that the government would extend support for providing skill-based training to help them earn their livelihood.
Khemchand Singh stated that the government supports the demands for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the State, but does not appreciate the practice of calling bandhs. He added that other forms of democratic protest, instead of bandhs, should be considered, as they adversely affect the lives of school and college students and daily wage earners in the State. He added, that peace will prevail only when the people of the State give up holding arms.
In his welcome address, Director General of Police, Manipur, Shri Mukesh Singh said that by giving up armed activities, the cadres have chosen to return to their families, communities and duties as citizens.
He said that Manipur Police will continue to perform its constitutional duties with firmness. At the same time, for those who truly give up violence and want to rejoin society, the police will support the legal process of surrender, verification and rehabilitation.
The DGP also asked the surrendered cadres to remain fully committed to their decision. He said the success of this homecoming will not be judged by today’s event, but by how they behave in the future.
During the ceremony, acceptance of surrender was also signed between the Government and the KCP-Taibanganba group. The acceptance was signed by Haobijam Dilip alias Taibanganba, Chairman of KCP-T, on behalf of the group whereas Dr. M. Veto Singh, Joint Secretary (Home), signed on behalf of the Government.
The details of the 20 arms and 216 rounds of ammunitions surrendered are Insas Rifle, Insas Rifle folding butt, Insas Rifle fix butt, M22-Rifle, RPG, Lathod 40 MM, Smith Wesson .38 Revolver, 51 MM Motar, SLR, Mouser 9 MM Pistol, 9 MM Pistol, CZ-75 Luger, 9 MM Pistol (Smith & Wesson), .32 Pistol (C/M) and Cartridge (5.56 MM), Cartridge (9 MM), Cartridge (7.62 MM), Cartridge (.32 MM). The explosive items surrendered are 3 which included Hand Grenade and Detonators. The communication devices surrendered are hand-held sets which included Baofeng Sets and Chargers.
It may be recalled that similar homecoming ceremony of 46 cadres of KCP- PWG was also held on July, 21st at Mantripukhri Garrison, HQ IG Assam Rifles (South), Imphal.
The Homecoming Ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and senior officers from the civil administration, Manipur Police and other central security forces.
