Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, November 5:
Thousands of people took to the streets in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts today in simultaneous rallies organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and other Tangkhul frontal organisations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), demanding the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas, an end to alleged proxy warfare and a permanent political solution to the Manipur crisis.
Protesters raised slogans including “Assam Rifles Quit Our Land” and “Stop Proxy War in Manipur”. In Ukhrul, participants assembled at Dungrei Junction, Hungpung, and Mission Ground, Alungtang, before converging at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground for a public meeting. A parallel rally was held in Kamjong district.
Addressing the gathering, TNL president Sword Vashum called upon the Tangkhul community to unite and stand up for its rights, dignity and identity rather than depend on others for protection.
Social activist Ngachonmi Chamroy described the Manipur situation as fundamentally a political crisis rather than merely a law-and-order problem, asserting that lasting peace would require genuine political will from the Government of India. He also questioned the role and conduct of Assam Rifles.
The rally culminated in the submission of an 11-point memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a copy to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The memorandum demands restructuring of legislative representation between the hills and valley, withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga areas, identification and deportation of illegal immigrants, and rejection of any separate homeland or administrative arrangement for the Kukis affecting Naga ancestral territories.
Other demands include revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, disarming and arresting SoO cadres, relocation of internally displaced persons away from Naga-inhabited areas, cancellation of allegedly illegal settlement permits and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The memorandum also raises allegations against Kuki armed groups and questions the neutrality of Assam Rifles.
The document was jointly signed by the presidents of five Tangkhul organisations, placing renewed pressure on the Centre to address the community’s demands through meaningful political engagement.