Imphal, 21 July (HS): In a major breakthrough for security forces in Manipur, 46 active cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered before Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh at the Mantripukhri Garrison of Headquarters Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal East district on Tuesday.

The surrender ceremony was attended by the state's Home Minister, the Minister of Art & Culture and Tourism, senior government officials, legislators and top security officers, including the General Officer Commanding Spear Corps, Director General of Police, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, Chief Secretary and senior CRPF officials.

The surrendered cadres laid down 28 weapons, including AK rifles, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, Self-Loading Rifles, carbines, pistols, double- and single-barrel guns, a Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher, along with a large quantity of magazines, ammunition and explosives.

Officials described the surrender as significant, noting that none of the cadres were part of any previous peace agreement. The KCP (PWG), a splinter faction of the Kangleipak Communist Party, has been involved in insurgent activities across the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching.

According to security officials, previous surrenders from the KCP (PWG) involved only small groups, making the surrender of 46 active cadres at once an unprecedented development for the faction. While authorities stopped short of declaring the outfit defunct, they said the development has substantially weakened its operational network.

The surrender followed weeks of coordinated efforts by the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security agencies, with support from the state government. Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen peace, improve security and facilitate development activities in the region.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash