46 KCP-Taibanganba Cadres Surrender Arms in Manipur, Join Peace Process
Imphal: In a significant step toward peace, reconciliation and development in Manipur, 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party – Taibanganba Group, including 4 women, laid down arms and surrendered before the state government on Tuesday.
The “Homecoming Ceremony” was organized by the Home Department at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal.
The surrender came days after the Chief Minister, on August 12, publicly set a 15-day deadline for depositing illegal weapons to strengthen peace efforts in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Manipur CM Khemchand Singh said the crisis that began on May 3, 2023 may have driven some people to take up arms and join insurgent groups. Lauding the group for shunning violence, he said holding guns has not brought peace and assured full government support to those who have surrendered.
The surrender is being carried out under the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, 2018. Under the policy, each surrendered cadre will receive a monthly stipend of up to Rs. 6,000 for 36 months and a fixed deposit of Rs. 4 lakh. The government will also provide skill-based training to help them earn a livelihood, Singh added.
On other state issues, the Minister said the government supports the demand for implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. However, he opposed the practice of calling bandhs, stating that democratic forms of protest should be preferred as bandhs adversely impact students and daily wage earners. “Peace will prevail only when the people of the State give up holding arms,” he said.
In his welcome address, DGP Manipur Mukesh Singh said the cadres have chosen to return to their families, communities and duties as citizens by giving up armed activities.
He assured that Manipur Police will continue to perform its constitutional duties firmly, while also supporting the legal process of surrender, verification and rehabilitation for those who genuinely renounce violence.
The DGP urged the surrendered cadres to remain committed to their decision. “The success of this homecoming will not be judged by today’s event, but by how they behave in the future,” he said.
During the ceremony, an agreement of surrender was signed between the Government and KCP-T. The document was signed by Haobijam Dilip alias Taibanganba, Chairman of KCP-T, on behalf of the group, and by Dr. M. Veto Singh, Joint Secretary (Home), on behalf of the Government.
Arms and ammunition surrendered included INSAS rifles with folding and fixed butts, M-22 rifles, RPG, Lathod 40mm, SLR, 51mm mortar, Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, 9mm pistols including Mouser, CZ-75 and Smith & Wesson, and .32 pistol. Cartridges of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm and .32mm were also deposited.
Explosives surrendered included hand grenades and detonators. Communication equipment including Baofeng handheld sets and chargers were also handed over.
Similar homecoming ceremony for 46 cadres of KCP-PWG was held on July 21 at Mantripukhri Garrison, HQ IG Assam Rifles (South), Imphal.
The event 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 civil administration, Manipur Police and central security forces.
