In a massive show of collective strength, oceans of indigenous people belonging to different communities of Manipur, including Meiteis, Nagas and Meitei Pangals, along with various Naga sub-tribes, took to the streets across the State today, demanding the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, removal of Assam Rifles and an end to the prolonged violence.
The statewide mobilisation, marked by the participation of thousands, also demanded an end to what the organisers described as a “proxy war” against indigenous communities, early resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), protection of indigenous people and their properties, and updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year before the conduct of the Census.
The rally assumed particular significance as civil society organisations representing different indigenous communities, including Meitei and Naga organisations, came together on a common platform to raise demands concerning the security, identity and future of Manipur. The participation of diverse communities in the mobilisation reflected a growing convergence of concerns over the prolonged conflict and the failure to restore normalcy.
In Imphal, the mass rally was jointly organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and several Naga civil society organisations, including the Joint Tribe Council Manipur (JTC-M), Naga Humanitarian Aids Committee Manipur (NHACM), Foothill Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC), Naga Peoples’ Union (NPU), Imphal, and Inpui Naga Union.
Thousands assembled at Tiddim Ground, Kwakeithel, Imphal West, from where the procession began. The demonstrators marched along Tiddim Road, passing through Wahengbam Leikai, Keishampat, Nagamapal and Thangmeiband before culminating at THAU Ground, where a public meeting was held.
Notably, members of non-local communities who have been residing in Manipur for years also joined the rally, expressing solidarity with the demands raised by the organisers.
Extending support to the statewide mobilisation, the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) organised simultaneous peaceful sit-in protests at various Naga district headquarters from 11 am, giving the demonstration a wider geographical reach.
Six-Point resolution adopted at Mass Rally
A massive gathering of indigenous people from the hills and valley of Manipur today unanimously adopted a six-point resolution at THAU Ground, Imphal, demanding an end to alleged proxy warfare, immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year.
The resolution, adopted at the mass rally jointly organised by COCOMI and various Naga civil society organisations, also demanded dismantling of all designated SoO camps, verification of weapons held by cadres and accountability for violations of ground rules.
It called for immediate, safe and dignified resettlement of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), with adequate security, restoration of properties and rehabilitation of livelihoods.
The rally further demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from border and conflict-affected areas and deployment of a neutral, professionally trained security force. It also called for effective border management to prevent illegal infiltration and cross-border criminal activities.
Another demand was the implementation of NRC through a transparent and verifiable process to protect the demographic and cultural integrity of Manipur.
The sixth resolution demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the Cabinet, failing which the present government should resign.
The resolution urged the State and Central governments to take immediate and time-bound action, asserting that lasting peace must be founded on justice, security and accountability.
Addressing the gathering, COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren demanded the resignation of the present government, alleging that it had failed to address the prolonged crisis and protect the lives and properties of the people.
He called for an immediate end to what he termed a “proxy war” against indigenous communities and alleged that Kuki militant groups operating under the SoO arrangement were being used to advance a larger political agenda. He also demanded the removal of Assam Rifles, alleging bias in its functioning and questioning its role in maintaining security amid the continuing conflict.
Dhiren further stressed the need to update the NRC before conducting the Census, stating that the identification and protection of indigenous populations must be given priority.
Former COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said indigenous communities in Manipur had endured more than three years of suffering due to the ongoing conflict. He alleged that repeated appeals to the State and Central governments for abrogation of the SoO agreement had gone unheeded.
Describing the rally as a final appeal to the governments, Athouba said the coming together of Meitei and Naga organisations demonstrated their collective determination to address the prevailing crisis.
“Enough is enough. The Government of India should stop waging a proxy war against indigenous people using Kuki militants under the SoO agreement. The government should fulfil our demands; otherwise, we will take an extreme step to decide our own future,” he said.
The protesters reiterated their demands for immediate abrogation of the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups, removal of Assam Rifles, restoration of peace, resettlement of displaced families and protection of indigenous rights.
Placards carried by demonstrators displayed slogans such as “Abrogate SoO” and “We Want Peace, Not Proxy War”, besides messages demanding accountability from the governments over the protection of lives and properties.
The scale and cross-community character of the mobilisation marked a significant development amid Manipur’s prolonged crisis. The participation of Meitei, Naga and Pangal communities, alongside various indigenous organisations, brought together diverse groups under a common platform to raise concerns over security, displacement and the future of the State.
The rally concluded with a renewed appeal to the State and Central governments to respond to the demands through concrete action, end the continuing violence and restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.