Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday said that the state had enjoyed peace and communal harmony before the ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, with people living together peacefully in both the valley and hill regions. He said the strife fuelled gun culture in Manipur.
Addressing a ‘Homecoming Ceremony’ organised for the surrender of militants at the Mantripukhri Garrison, the headquarters of Assam Rifles (South) in Imphal East district, the Chief Minister said that the ethnic violence had given rise to an alarming gun culture in the state, posing a serious challenge to peace and normalcy.
He stressed the need for all sections of society to work together to restore lasting peace and rebuild public confidence.
Forty-six cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) militant outfit joined the mainstream by laying down a huge cache of arms during the ‘Homecoming Ceremony’.
Singh said that sustained efforts by the Central and state security forces have resulted in the recovery of more than 8,000 weapons.
The Chief Minister further stated that since the formation of the present government on February 4 this year, over 1,200 firearms have been recovered, including around 600 weapons looted from the government armoury during the ethnic hostilities.
He appreciated all citizens who voluntarily surrendered weapons, describing them as peace-loving individuals committed to restoring normalcy.
Stating that conflict and gun culture can never bring peace, he welcomed the surrendered cadres for choosing the path to the mainstream and contribute towards a peaceful future.
Khemchand Singh also assured full support for the implementation of the Revised Scheme for Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation of Militants in the North Eastern States, 2018, including rehabilitation assistance and stipend for surrendered cadres.
The Chief Minister lauded the dedicated and concerted efforts of the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order and protecting civilians.
He noted that during the crisis in May 2023, more than 47,000 displaced people belonging to both Meitei and Kuki Zo communities were safely evacuated and provided protection in relief camps and other secure locations by the security forces.
The Chief Minister also interacted with the surrendered insurgents and thanked them for choosing the path of peace. He assured Chairman (KCP-PWG) L. Ranjit all possible help.
Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh informed that as per the Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, a monthly stipend of up to Rs 6,000 for three years and a rehabilitation grant of Rs 4 lakh as a fixed deposit will be provided to the surrendered cadres.
He further said that nature makes Manipur more beautiful and emphasised that restoring peace should be prioritised now so that all communities could live harmoniously.
The Home Minister also appealed to all insurgents to return to the path of peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said that the ‘Homecoming Ceremony’ reflects the growing confidence of misguided youths in the peace process.
He expressed hope that the initiative would become a model for other insurgency-affected States and serve as an effective instrument for achieving lasting peace in Manipur.
Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, GOC 3-Corps also addressed the gathering and remarked that no society can progress under the shadow of conflict.
He expressed confidence that the surrender and rehabilitation initiatives would strengthen peace, stability and development in the State.
The weapons, surrendered by the KCP-PWG militants, include three AK series rifle, four AK-56 series rifle, one INSAS ex-Calibur, one Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one 9 mm Carbine, three .303 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, two 9 mm pistol, one 7.65 mm pistol, two double barrel, nine single barrel rifles.
The militants also deposited 16 magazines, nine RPG shells, 23 hand grenades, 40 electric detonators, six 27 detonators, 300 blasting caps, seven IEDs weighing approximately 15 kg, along with seven communication devices and 342 pieces of ammunition.
Others who attended the Homecoming Ceremony include, Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor to the Manipur government, Senior officers of the Army, Assam Rifles, state Police, CAPFs and civil administration.
(IANS)
