It's true, a series of relentless efforts of security forces including Assam Rifles had played a crucial role in bringing the armed KCP-PWG cadres led by their chairman Tamnganba to lay down arms and pledge to join social and national mainstream.
Normal 'issue' of Joblessness is among the headlines these days ....
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| An 'eve in arm' : "It took time to convince her .... to surrender" |
Authorities and political leadership under Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh have welcomed them back into the 'mainstream' and urged other armed groups operating within and outside the state to abandon violence and contribute to Manipur’s development.
However, interaction with a few ex-cadres and their near and dear ones reveal that -- challenges would remain nevertheless.
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| Two sets of Militants-housewives couples and blogger |
Who knows there is a "risk" of the rehabilitation policy ending up as a revolving door for militants.
Moreover; ex-militants are vulnerable to various stigmas and security threats.
In a violence-hit state like Manipur -- which is reeling under cobweb of insurgent groups, a sizable portion of the local population views militants as ‘freedom fighters’.
In broad sense; Manipur is a house of three ethnic groups - Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas.
Worse there are multiple groups and also ethnicity working as permanent measures of divisions and unity.
Among Meitei militants - there are multiple groups - Kangleipak Communist Party–People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), PLA, UNLF, PREPAK and so on. At least 'ex PWG cadres' who surrendered on July 22 to CM Khemchand in presence of top military officers GoC, SpearCorps - Lt Gen Girish Kalia; -- have "worked for two militant organisations".
"You are right ... we also have defection seasons .... like BJP and Congress," one of them joked in pidgin Hindi as he came to know that the blogger was a "Delhi-wallah".
On this came out another facet - one lady (not in the snap) said - "In Manipur, there is Imphal-wallah". She smiled but she knew she was making a political point.
Another relative, I interacted -- a 66-year-old 'father of an ex militant' says : "These youngsters from our time used to join underground forces only because there is no adequate avenues of employment".
"I know young boys who wanted to join Assam Rifles or CRPF ... but they went out elsewhere," he added.
Asked why her husband has decided to lay down arms - Mrs Alva in her twenties: "I made him do so... we got married in January 2026. It was love marriage. My parents and brothers were against it.
I hardly could spend time with him. A few months back, I told him when we met in a hideout, either you join mainstream and give up arms or forget me and my future child".
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| Teenager Elina was more than glad as her father gave up arms |
"My father loves me much ... but he is very arrogant. He would buy me gifts and send money for birthdays but was not willing to give up his ideology .... you are right. He is a communist," said teenager Elina adding, "my wish before God has come true that my father rejoinedthe mainstream".
"But the real credit goes to my mother ... she used to cry inconsolably for hours. Ultimately I am glad, she could prevail upon," she said relishing her Samosa.
An ambitious girl, - she asked me : "Uncle do you think I should become a journalist or join Indian army". I too was honest and told her to stay away from 'my media world by miles'.
There was one young man - 20 something. He is pursuing PhD in Manipuri from Assam University, Silchar. His brother had joined PWG a few years back.
"We are happy .... I specially came from Silchar to attend this function. I met some army officials and shared with them that they should ensure adequate protection to our family," he says.
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| Lt Gen Girish Kalia welcoming 'ex militants' back home !! |
Such apprehensions are not without good reasons.
Not only other militant groups - either Nagas or Meiteis/Kukis who could be unhappy with the surrender of the PWG cadres; within the larger PWG fraternity itself ... it cannot be definitively stated that this July 22 episode marks the absolute dissolution of the KCP-PWG faction.
But it is true, the regional anti-social networks and territorial reach of the PWG-Tamnganba faction that has laid down arms have been done away with.
But as 'side affect' ... other factions and other cadres in the PWG family would be unhappy.
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| Camera-shy : Not by choice |
On this, I spoke to a few retired military officers who served in the region.
"Poor chaps face humungous problems when it comes to living a normal middleclass life... Firstly, even before their armed-life history is known; the ex-militants most often are already discredited in the job market especially in northeast because of lack of employment experience," said one of them.
Moreover; the 'status' or credential that he/she was a militant is itself "a burden" not only for the ex-cadres but also their near and dear ones.
There have been instances in north east when such families often are ostracized.
But another expert says - "Talking about their history is no big secret. They broke law. They extorted money once and it is reasonable to follow the regular criminal justice systems.
But it is advisable to consider how much so-called 'disclosure' is necessary. In this, media has a role to play".
The jobseekers - under the age group 22 to 50 - are also "affected by a gap in employment experience".
There is "inability" to network to find potential jobs.
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| PWG group leader/chairman Tamnganba surrendering his gun to CM Khemchand |
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