Imphal: In a significant step towards peace and reconciliation, 46 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Taibanganba Group) led by its Chairman Haobijam Dilip laid down arms and joined the mainstream on Tuesday. The return of armed cadres to the mainstream marked its strengthening of peace process in the violence-hit state of Manipur.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh received the cadres of KCP (Taibanganba) during a homecoming ceremony held at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in 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, CM 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.
CM 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, 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 Shri 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.
During the ceremony, the cadres handed over 20 arms, 216 rounds of ammunition and three explosive devices. The details of the arms and 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 included Hand Grenade, Detonators and hand-held sets included Baofeng Sets and Chargers.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, minister Kh Loken Singh, MLAs, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh, senior officers of the civil administration, Manipur Police and security forces, and other dignitaries.
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.