Manipur: Thousands take part in rally in Imphal demanding lasting peace, justice for violence victims

Guwahati: Thousands of people took part in rally in Imphal on Saturday demanding lasting peace, justice for victims of Manipur’s prolonged crisis, safe resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.

The tally was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The rally started at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel and ended in a public meeting at Thau Ground in Thangmeiband.

Also read | Three people killed in Noney in Manipur


The United Naga Council (UNC), along with its federating units and Naga civil society organisations, endorsed the rally.

Naga representative Achung Gangmei said that indigenous communities were being subjected to a “proxy war” and accused the Manipur government of using Kuki militants against other communities. He demanded abrogation of the SoO agreement and withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the state.

He called the force of partisan conduct and alleged that arms and ammunition were being supplied to Kuki groups. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) Convenor YK Dhiren on Saturday demanded the resignation of the present government, alleging its failure to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

He called for an immediate end to what he described as a “proxy war” waged by Indian state forces against the indigenous community. He also demanded the removal of the Assam Rifles, alleging bias in its functioning, and called for the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before conducting the Census.

Also read | What awaits the fate of suspension of operations agreement in Manipur?

The rally, organised under the banner of COCOMI, seeks to highlight the ongoing conflict, raise concerns over the protection of indigenous communities and press for accountability from the government and security agencies.

Representatives and members of Meitei, Muslim and tribal communities came together to participate in the mass rally, reflecting a united show of solidarity and collective participation across communities.

A public rally was held in Senapati on Saturday demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, withdrawal of Assam Rifles from border areas and conflict zones.

The rally, held at Traffic Point under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), was organised by the Senapati District Apex Body, comprising the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA).

UNC president NG Lorho said Nagas across the hill districts had united to defend their ancestral land amid the prevailing conflict in Manipur.

“We are the owners and guardians of our land from time immemorial,” he said, asserting that the community would not surrender its ancestral rights. Alleging cross-border involvement of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), Lorho described the situation as a threat to India’s national security and indigenous communities in Manipur.

On the SoO agreement, Lorho alleged that Kuki militants were using the arrangement to attack Naga villages, displace civilians and occupy ancestral lands.

He also questioned the functioning of SoO-designated camps, claiming that only one cadre was present at Mount Sinai camp against the 150 reportedly required to be stationed there under the ground rules.

“The Suspension of Operation Agreement has become a licence to kill innocent indigenous people,” he said.

Rifles from border areas and conflict zones, and time-bound implementation of the September 26 Guwahati tripartite agreement. The memorandum also calls for an end to what the council describes as a proxy war against indigenous communities in Manipur.