Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Forty-six people claiming to be Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) cadres surrendered Tuesday at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East. They turned in 28 weapons. These included assault rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, carbines, pistols, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. They also handed over explosives and ammunition. The group followed founder Laishram Ranjit, also known as Tamnganba. They surrendered to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
State officials attended the ceremony. These included Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and Director General of Police Mukesh Singh. The Chief Minister touted the event as a major step toward stability. He cited a goal of peace. “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. I welcome all those who have chosen to return to the mainstream and contribute towards building a peaceful Manipur,” Khemchand said.
Khemchand claimed authorities have recovered over 8,000 weapons since the 2023 crisis began. He noted 1,200 of those came in after his administration started, including 600 taken from police armouries.
The KCP-PWG immediately pushed back. They called the ceremony a fake drama. The group’s Publicity and Research Officer, Chingkheinganba, denied any active cadres participated. He claimed the individuals shown were former members, civilians, rickshaw pullers, and drug users. The outfit insisted their actual leadership remains Lamyanba Khuman and Poirei Meitei. They asserted that Tamnganba, along with Md Mani, Moirangthem Mohen, and Oinam Somendro, had been expelled for anti-party activities. The group also alleged the Assam Rifles sourced the surrendered weapons from Kuki factions.
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