'No more extortion in KCP-PWG's name': Outfit chief after surrender of 46 cadres

The chairman of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People's War Group (KCP-PWG), Laishram Ranjit Meitei, on July 21 declared that the outfit would no longer engage in any illegal or armed activities, asserting that anyone committing crimes in the group's name henceforth would have no association with the organisation.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Home Coming ceremony held at Mantripukhri Garrison, Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), Ranjit said the outfit had chosen to return to the mainstream with the aim of contributing to the development of both Manipur and the country.

"From now onwards, no illegal activities such as extortion or unlawful detention of individuals will be carried out in the name of KCP-PWG. Anyone found indulging in such acts cannot claim to represent our organisation and may be dealt with by society and the authorities," he said.

The Home Coming ceremony, jointly organised by the Manipur Government and the Assam Rifles, witnessed the surrender of 46 KCP-PWG cadres, including four women. The surrendered members laid down 28 sophisticated weapons as part of the rehabilitation process.

Ranjit said embracing civilian life was the only path to lasting peace for the cadres and their families. He added that the group now intends to pursue lawful means of livelihood and contribute positively to society.

Expressing his future plans, the former insurgent leader said he hopes to establish an industrial unit in Manipur to promote employment and work culture. He appealed to the government to extend continued support to help the surrendered cadres achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Under the Government of India's Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North East States, 2018, each surrendered cadre is entitled to a one-time financial grant of Rs 4 lakh, to be kept as a fixed deposit for three years, a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 during the rehabilitation period, and incentives linked to the surrender of weapons.

The surrendered cadres will stay at a designated rehabilitation camp for three years, during which they will receive vocational training in trades of their choice to facilitate their reintegration into civilian life.