State supports NRC, says CM while urging democratic stir
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 18 2026: The State Government has always supported the public demand for NRC, and is pursuing the matter with the Centre, said Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today, appealing to people to adopt a form agitation other than bandh.

"The Government supports the demand for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), but does not appreciate the practice of calling bandhs," he said, addressing a homecoming ceremony which saw as many as 46 cadres of the KCP(T) laying down arms and returning to the mainstream.

State supports NRC, says CM while urging democratic stir

The 46 cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-Taibanganba include 4 women.

The "Homecoming Ceremony" was organised by the Home Department at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has always supported the demand for NRC, and the Assembly, in the past, had also taken a resolution endorsing it and sent it to the Centre.

Informing that the State Government is currently pursuing the matter (NRC) with the Centre, Khemchand said that the people and the civil bodies should consider adopting another form of democratic agitation other than bandh and blockade.

"Bandh and blockade adversely affect the lives of daily wage earners and students' academic environment." Adopting another form of agitation other than bandh and blockade will be beneficial to the society and the State as a whole, he added.

About the ceremony, Khemchand said he welcomes the return of the cadres of the proscribed group to the mainstream.

"Guns have never brought peace.

Peace will prevail only when people give up weapons" .

The Chief Minister said he believes that the crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023 had instigated youths to pick up arms and join insurgent groups.

The return of the youths to the mainstream is a positive step towards peace, and the Government will extend all possible support to those who have surrendered, he said.

Under the revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, 2018, each surrendered cadre will be provided a monthly stipend of up to Rs 6,000 for 36 months and a fixed deposit grant of Rs 4 lakh.

The Government will also provide skill-based training to help them earn livelihood, he added.

Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said that by giving up armed activities, the cadres have chosen to return to their families, communities and duties as citizens.

Manipur Police will continue to perform its Constitutional duties with firmness.

The State Police will always support those who truly want to give up violence and rejoin the society, he said.

The DGP also asked the surrendered cadres to remain fully committed to their decision.

He said that the success of the homecoming will not be judged by today's event, but by how they behave in the future.

During the ceremony, acceptance of surrender was also signed between the Government and the KCP-Taibanganba.

The acceptance was signed by Haobijam Dilip alias Taibanganba, Chairman of KCP-T, on behalf of the group and Dr M Veto Singh, Joint Secretary (Home), signed on behalf of the Government.

The 46 cadres surrendered arms and ammunition.

Notably, the mass surrender today came weeks after 46 cadres of the KCP-PWG also laid down arms in a similar programme held at Mantripukhri Garrison, HQ IG Assam Rifles (South), Imphal on July 21 .

Recently, on August 12, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand had also publicly called for surrender of illegal arms within 15 days.

The Homecoming Ceremony today was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, several MLAs, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and senior officers from the civil administration, Manipur Police and Central security forces.