In a significant development for peace efforts in violence-hit Manipur, 46 active insurgents belonging to the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) or KCP (PWG) surrendered with arms before Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the Assam Rifles Headquarters in Imphal East district.

The surrender ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister, state ministers, senior civil and police officials, representatives of the Assam Rifles, CRPF, and other security agencies. The insurgents pledged to renounce violence and rejoin the mainstream, describing the move as a step towards rebuilding their lives through peaceful and democratic means.

Along with surrendering, the militants handed over a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition to the security forces. The recovered arsenal included 28 modern firearms, such as AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, carbines, .303 rifles, pistols, double-barrel and single-barrel guns, besides a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher. Large quantities of ammunition, magazines, and explosives were also surrendered.

Security officials described the development as particularly significant because the surrender was not part of any formal peace agreement. Instead, the militants voluntarily abandoned armed struggle, making it one of the largest voluntary surrenders by members of the KCP (PWG).

The Kangleipak Communist Party was founded on April 14, 1980, and later split into several factions, with the People’s War Group emerging as one of the most active and violent. The outfit has long been accused of involvement in extortion, armed attacks, and anti-national activities. Although individual members have surrendered in the past, the simultaneous surrender of 46 active cadres is considered unprecedented in the group’s history.

Officials credited the success to sustained counter-insurgency operations, public cooperation, and the government’s rehabilitation policy. They expressed hope that effective rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities for the surrendered cadres would strengthen public confidence in the peace process and encourage more insurgents to abandon violence, contributing to long-term stability in Manipur.