Hundreds rally in Manipur's Ukhrul to end ethnic strife and abrogate SoO pact
Demonstrators in Ukhrul district demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and the end of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
Hundreds of people, including women and the elderly, held a 'People's Rally' in Manipur's Ukhrul district headquarters on Thursday, November 5, 2026, according to The Hindu. The demonstrators called for an end to ethnic strife in the state and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact.
The rally was organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul frontal organisations under the United Naga Council (UNC). A similar rally took place in the adjoining Kamjong district. Participants held placards demanding the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and the declaration of Kuki militant groups as terrorists.
The protesters also demanded the resolution of the political crisis in Manipur, the removal of the Assam Rifles from Naga-dominated areas, and an end to the proxy war in the state. The SoO pact is a tripartite agreement involving the Centre, the Manipur Government, and dozens of Kuki and Zomi militant outfits.
The protests follow ethnic clashes between Kuki and Naga communities that have resulted in more than 50 deaths and the burning of dozens of houses across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts since February this year.
The state previously experienced ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hills-based Kukis. That violence resulted in over 300 deaths, 49 people remaining missing, and thousands of people being rendered homeless.