Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Laishram Ranjit, founder chairman of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), surrendered Tuesday at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East. He brought 45 fellow cadres with him. They laid down 28 weapons to state authorities and the Assam Rifles. The haul included assault rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, carbines, pistols, shotguns, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. They also handed over a large cache of ammunition, explosives, and magazines.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh accepted the surrender alongside Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and other top officials. High-ranking members of the Spear Corps, Manipur Police, and the Assam Rifles watched the ceremony. The state plans to process these men under the 2018 Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States.
The Chief Minister spoke to the crowd about the ongoing violence in the region. “After the crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023, many youths from both the hills and the valley took up arms. Gun culture cannot ensure peace, development or prosperity,” he said. Khemchand added that his administration has recovered over 1,200 weapons since taking office. Total recovery figures from joint operations since May 2023 exceed 8,000 guns.
Officials described the event as a victory for state outreach efforts. The government hopes this move signals a shift toward lasting stability. The former militants will now begin the process of returning to civilian life.
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