46 Militants Surrender in Manipur, CM Calls It a Major Boost to Lasting Peace

Forty-six militants of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered before security forces in Manipur on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to restore peace and curb insurgency. The former militants also handed over a large cache of sophisticated weapons and explosives, underscoring the success of sustained security operations.

The surrender took place during a Homecoming Ceremony at the headquarters of the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) in Mantripukhri, Imphal. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh described the development as a "significant step towards lasting peace and stability" and urged the surrendered cadres to rebuild their lives by contributing to the state's development.

According to police, the surrendered militants deposited 28 weapons, including AK-series rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), pistols, along with grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), detonators, ammunition, wireless communication sets and other war-like stores.

The Chief Minister said Manipur remained peaceful until the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, which led to the spread of an alarming gun culture across the state. He noted that continuous operations by security forces have resulted in the recovery of more than 8,000 weapons, including over 1,200 firearms, since his government assumed office on February 4. Of these, nearly 600 weapons had been looted from government armouries.

Stressing that gun culture can never bring peace, Singh assured the surrendered militants that they would receive full benefits under the Centre's Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States, 2018, aimed at helping former insurgents reintegrate into society.

State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said each surrendered militant would receive a monthly stipend of up to ₹6,000 for three years and a rehabilitation grant of ₹4 lakh in the form of a fixed deposit. He appealed to other insurgents still involved in violence to surrender and become part of the ongoing peace process.

Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said the surrender reflected the growing confidence of misguided youth in the government's peace initiatives. Lt Gen Girish Kalia, General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps, said lasting development is impossible in a society overshadowed by conflict and violence.

In a statement, the Indian Army's Eastern Command said the surrender followed months of sustained outreach by the Army and Assam Rifles, supported by the Manipur Police and central security agencies.