Thousands rally in Imphal demanding peace and justice
Protesters in Manipur called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles.
Thousands of people participated in a rally in Imphal on Saturday to demand lasting peace and justice for victims of the Manipur crisis. The protest, organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), also called for the safe resettlement of internally displaced persons and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
The rally began at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel and concluded with a public meeting at Thau Ground in Thangmeiband. The United Naga Council (UNC) and various Naga civil society organisations endorsed the event. Participants included representatives from Meitei, Muslim, and tribal communities.
COCOMI Convenor YK Dhiren demanded the resignation of the current government, alleging a failure to address the ongoing crisis. Dhiren also called for the removal of the Assam Rifles and the updating of the National Register of Citizens before the Census.
Naga representative Achung Gangmei accused the Manipur government of using Kuki militants against other communities. He demanded the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles and the abrogation of the SoO agreement.
In Senapati, a rally was held at Traffic Point under the United Naga Council. The Senapati District Apex Body, including the Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati District Students’ Association, and Senapati District Women’s Association, organised the protest.
UNC president NG Lorho alleged that Kuki militants use the SoO arrangement to attack Naga villages and occupy ancestral lands. Lorho also alleged cross-border involvement of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B).