Manipur HM says efforts underway to bring Kuki, Naga insurgent groups to negotiating table after KCP-PWG surrender

Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on July 21 said the state government has initiated efforts to bring armed insurgent groups from the Kuki and Naga communities to the negotiating table, following the surrender of 46 cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People's War Group (KCP-PWG).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a homecoming ceremony held at the Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters Assam Rifles, the minister said the government is working to encourage more insurgent groups to shun violence and join the peace process.

The ceremony, jointly organised by the Manipur Government and the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), witnessed 46 KCP-PWG cadres voluntarily surrender and embrace mainstream civilian life. The surrendered cadres laid down 28 sophisticated weapons.

Calling it a "happiest moment" for the government, Govindas said the surrender was significant as it involved a militant group that is not currently engaged in peace talks with the government.

"This is the first such surrender of a large number of cadres from an insurgent group after the onset of the crisis. We highly appreciate their decision to return to mainstream life," he said.

Responding to questions on possible initiatives for Kuki and Naga insurgent outfits, the Home Minister said efforts are underway to bring armed groups from other communities to the negotiating table so they can return to peaceful lives with their families.

He appealed to militants still operating underground to give up arms, assuring them that the government remains open to supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Govindas also said that more than 1,000 weapons have been recovered since the formation of the present government, adding that over half of them were looted weapons. He, however, acknowledged that many more illegal arms remain unaccounted for.

The minister further assured that the government would intensify measures to curb extortion along highways, a long-standing concern in the state.

Director General of Police Mukesh Singh welcomed the surrender, describing it as a positive step towards achieving lasting peace in Manipur.

He said the homecoming ceremony reflected the growing confidence of misguided youth in the peace process and expressed hope that the initiative would encourage more insurgents to return to the mainstream.

Mukesh Singh added that the programme could serve as a model for other insurgency-affected states and become an effective instrument for restoring lasting peace in Manipur.