Imphal, July 21: In a significant development for the ongoing peace and security efforts in Manipur, 46 active cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) (KCP-PWG) surrendered before Chief Minister N. Biren Singh (Yumnam Khemchand Singh) on Tuesday, laying down a large cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition in what officials described as a major breakthrough against insurgency.

The surrender ceremony was held at the Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters of the Assam Rifles (South), in Imphal East district. Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Amit Shukla said the mass surrender marks a turning point in the state’s efforts to restore lasting peace and accelerate development.

According to officials, the surrendered militants voluntarily handed over 28 sophisticated weapons, including AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), .303 rifles, pistols, carbines, double-barrel and single-barrel guns, as well as a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher. They also surrendered a substantial quantity of magazines, ammunition and explosives.

Lt Col Shukla said the development is particularly significant as none of the surrendered cadres had been part of any previous peace agreement. The KCP, founded in 1980, later fragmented into several factions, with the PWG emerging as one of the most active insurgent groups operating in Manipur’s valley districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching.

Officials noted that while the group had witnessed occasional surrenders of small batches of five to twelve cadres in recent years, the surrender of 46 militants at one time is unprecedented for the KCP-PWG faction. Though authorities stopped short of declaring the outfit completely dismantled, they said the surrender has dealt a severe blow to its operational capabilities and regional influence.

The Defence spokesman credited the success to sustained outreach by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security agencies, backed by the state government. Their coordinated efforts and rehabilitation initiatives encouraged the militants to renounce violence and return to mainstream society.

The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Tourism and Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh, senior Assam Rifles and CRPF officers, MLAs and other top civil and security officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to peace, stability and development in Manipur.