Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Forty-six cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-Taibanganba faction, including four women, surrendered to Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on August 18. The event took place at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal. The group handed over 20 weapons and 216 rounds of ammunition alongside three explosives. Surrendered hardware included AK-series and AK-56 rifles, INSAS Ex-Caliber rifles, self-loading rifles, 9mm carbines, .303 rifles, RPGs, and 9mm pistols.
This surrender follows a similar event on July 21 where 46 KCP-People’s War Group members laid down arms. Khemchand noted that 92 insurgents have now surrendered in the last month. The chief minister highlighted that the state and central governments will provide financial aid under the 2018 Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy. Each cadre receives 4 lakh rupees in fixed deposits plus a monthly stipend of 6,000 rupees for three years. The government will also provide skill development training.
KCP chairman Taibanganba stated the group was in the mainstream before the May 2023 crisis. He claimed they took up arms to guard the public but chose to return now as normalcy returns to the state. The chairman noted they viewed the public desire for peace as the voice of god. Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh praised the move. He promised police support for lawful rehabilitation but warned that future conduct remains vital. “Manipur Police will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibility with determination. At the same time, for individuals who genuinely renounce violence and seek reintegration, we will support the lawful process of surrender, verification and rehabilitation,” the DGP stated.
Khemchand addressed the ongoing unrest during the ceremony. He noted that many young people joined militant outfits out of a sense of duty to defend the state. He urged other underground groups to pursue dialogue instead of conflict. The chief minister also mentioned the government supports the update of the National Register of Citizens and asked protest groups to avoid bandhs. This surrender occurred shortly after Khemchand issued a 15-day ultimatum on August 12 for the voluntary return of looted or illegal weapons.
Updated at 18th August 2026 at 10:00pm
The surrender process was codified through a formal agreement signed by KCP-T Chairman Haobijam Dilip, also known as Taibanganba, and Dr. M. Veto Singh, Joint Secretary of the Home Department. The inventory of surrendered hardware was more extensive than initially reported, including M22 rifles, 40mm Lathod launchers, 51mm mortars, Smith & Wesson .38 revolvers, and various specialized munitions such as 5.56mm and 7.62mm cartridges. The gear handed over also included tactical equipment like Baofeng communication sets and chargers.
While Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh presided over the event, other officials in attendance included Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh.
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