Nagas stage mass rallies in Manipur to end ‘proxy war’, withdraw Assam Rifles
Source Entity
Jimmy Leivon
Hundreds of Naga community members in Manipur's Ukhrul and Kamjong districts rallied to demand an end to ethnic violence, the revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact, and the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles. The protests follow escalating security concerns, including a recent highway shooting incident.
Tensions Escalate in Manipur: Naga Community Demands Urgent Intervention
On November 5, 2026, the districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong in Manipur witnessed significant public demonstrations as hundreds of citizens took to the streets to protest the state's ongoing ethnic strife. Organized by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) under the auspices of the United Naga Council (UNC), the 'People's Rally' serves as a critical indicator of the mounting frustration among Naga groups regarding the protracted security crisis that has gripped the region.
The Demand for Policy Revision: The SoO Pact
A primary grievance voiced by the protesters is the demand for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. This tripartite pact, involving the Centre, the Manipur state government, and various Kuki and Zomi militant outfits, was originally intended to facilitate peace and dialogue. However, the protesters argue that the agreement has failed to maintain order and instead contributed to the current climate of insecurity. By calling for the designation of these militant groups as terrorists, the demonstrators are signaling a complete loss of faith in the current peace framework.
Political Accountability and Local Governance
The rally also highlighted growing political polarization, with specific calls for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The demand for the resignation of a high-ranking official from the Kuki community underscores the deep ethnic divisions currently paralyzing the state administration. This push for political change suggests that the Naga community feels their interests and security concerns are not being adequately represented within the current power structure, further complicating the prospects for a unified state-level resolution.
Security Concerns: The Role of Assam Rifles
Beyond political demands, the protesters explicitly called for the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas. The local population perceives the current security deployment as ineffective or perhaps biased, fueling a demand for a recalibration of how federal and state forces manage law and order. This sentiment was exacerbated by a recent violent incident on the Imphal–Ukhrul highway, where suspected militants opened fire on passenger vehicles, heightening the sense of vulnerability among civilians.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The convergence of these demands suggests a shift in the conflict's dynamics. What began as a localized ethnic struggle is increasingly involving third-party stakeholders like the Naga community, who are now positioning themselves as a distinct political force seeking state intervention. The demand for the Centre to mediate reflects a belief that the local government is no longer capable of navigating the ethnic divide without significant federal oversight.
Conclusion
The rallies in Ukhrul and Kamjong mark a pivotal moment in Manipur’s ongoing crisis. By demanding the end of the 'proxy war,' the withdrawal of specific security forces, and the dismantling of the SoO pact, the Naga community is effectively challenging the status quo. Moving forward, the central government faces the difficult task of addressing these multifaceted demands without further alienating the various ethnic groups involved in this complex, multi-layered conflict.