Mass Surrender of KCP Cadres Marks a New Era for Peace in Manipur

In a historic event, 46 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) surrendered in Imphal, choosing peace over militancy. This mass surrender, one of the largest in recent years, included a substantial cache of weapons. The event was attended by key officials, including the Chief Minister, who emphasized the importance of this decision for restoring peace in Manipur, which has faced ethnic violence. The government has pledged support for the rehabilitation of these former militants, offering financial assistance and vocational training to help them reintegrate into society. This development marks a hopeful turn towards stability in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 18:52 IST

Significant Surrender Ceremony in Imphal

The 'homecoming' ceremony of the surrendered 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) (Photo - @easterncomd / X)

Imphal, July 21: After enduring years of struggle and disillusionment, 46 members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) chose to abandon militancy in favor of peace, participating in a significant surrender ceremony at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East.

This event marks one of the largest mass surrenders in recent history for the KCP (PWG), with the group including four women among the surrendered militants.

During the ceremony, the militants surrendered a large cache of weapons and explosives, which included 28 firearms such as three AK-series rifles, four AK-56 rifles, an INSAS Ex-Calibur rifle, a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), a 9 mm carbine, three .303 rifles, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, three pistols, and 11 homemade guns.

Additionally, security forces recovered 16 magazines, nine RPG shells, 23 hand grenades, seven Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing approximately 15 kg, detonators, communication equipment, and 342 rounds of ammunition.

Officials noted that this surrender is unprecedented for the KCP, as previous events typically involved only a handful of cadres.

Laishram Ranjit Meitei, the chairman representing the surrendered cadres, expressed that years of hardship and disillusionment with armed conflict led to their decision to reintegrate into society.

He stated, "Our cadres faced immense frustration and challenges. We chose to return for the sake of peace and the welfare of our community. We hope the government will assist us with vocational training, machinery, and financial support for self-employment."

The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, senior Army and Assam Rifles officials, and various civil and police representatives.

In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the return of these cadres is a crucial step towards restoring peace in Manipur, which has experienced ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023.

He remarked, "Guns and violence cannot foster development. Today's homecoming is a vital move towards achieving lasting peace and enhancing the reconciliation process in the state."

Home Minister Konthoujam highlighted the rehabilitation initiatives available for the surrendered militants, stating that the Centre's policy aims to facilitate their reintegration into society through financial aid and skill development.

He mentioned, "Each surrendered cadre will receive Rs 4 lakh, which will be held in a fixed deposit for three years. This is a rehabilitation grant, not a loan. While we cannot guarantee employment, we will provide support for self-employment and skill development to help them start anew."

According to the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States, 2018, each surrendered cadre will receive a one-time rehabilitation grant of Rs 4 lakh, along with a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 during the rehabilitation phase.

The People's War Group emerged as a splinter faction of the KCP due to ideological differences within the original organization.