Meitei and Naga groups hold rally in Imphal for SoO pact abrogation
Protesters in Manipur demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and the scrapping of a truce agreement with militant groups.
Thousands of people, including members of the Naga community, held a massive rally in Imphal on Saturday to demand the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups. Organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the march moved from Tiddim Ground towards THAU ground in Imphal West district.
The rally, which was endorsed by the United Naga Council (UNC), also called for the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. COCOMI convenor Y Dhiren said the government failed to protect the lives and properties of the state's indigenous people.
Naga organisations held separate rallies in the Chandel and Senapati districts. These groups demanded the termination of the SoO pact and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, accusing Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in violence, according to The Hindu.
The demonstrations occurred after militants ambushed 14 Meitei men, killing three, in a state that has seen ethnic violence since May 2023. The SoO agreement, signed in August 2008, expired on September 4 without renewal.
Security forces barricaded roads near the Chief Minister's Office and Lok Bhavan to manage the crowds. Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed, and public transport services were suspended during the protest, according to The Indian Express.