It claimed that the participants included former members and civilians, including rickshaw pullers and drug users, and likened the programme to what it described as similar “fake surrender” events held in the past
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Imphal | The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) Military Council Unification has rejected the recent surrender ceremony held in Manipur, claiming that none of its active cadres participated in the event and describing it as a “fake surrender drama.”
In a statement issued by its Publicity and Research Officer (PRO), Chingkheinganba, the outfit asserted that no serving cadre or Central Committee member of the organisation had taken part in the July 21 homecoming programme.
The group claimed that it continues to function under the leadership of Chairman Lamyanba Khuman and Vice Chairman Poirei Meitei, maintaining that its organisational structure remains intact and that it is continuing its campaign for what it described as the independence of Kangleipak (Manipur).
Rejecting the government’s claims, the outfit alleged that those who appeared in the surrender ceremony were not active members of the organisation. It claimed that the participants included former members and civilians, including rickshaw pullers and drug users, and likened the programme to what it described as similar “fake surrender” events held in the past.
The statement further alleged that Laishram Ranjit alias Tam-Nganba, who identified himself as the chairman of the KCP-PWG during the ceremony, had previously been expelled from the organisation for alleged anti-party and anti-social activities. It also claimed that Md Mani alias Ning-Tamba, Moirangthem Mohen alias Pari-Macha and Oinam Somendro alias Lan-Ngamba had been expelled from the outfit.
The KCP-PWG also denied issuing single-barrel or double-barrel firearms to its cadres and alleged that the weapons displayed during the surrender programme had been procured by the Assam Rifles from Kuki groups. The allegation could not be independently verified.
Expressing disappointment over the Manipur government’s participation in the event, the outfit said it was issuing the statement to clarify its position following extensive media coverage of the ceremony.
The statement comes days after 46 alleged cadres of the banned KCP-PWG surrendered before Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East on July 21. Led by Laishram Ranjit alias Tamnganba, the group laid down 28 weapons, which the state government described as a significant step towards restoring peace and encouraging militants to return to the mainstream.
Authorities have not yet responded to the KCP-PWG’s latest claims.
