Hundreds rally in Manipur's Ukhrul against ethnic strife and Kuki militants
Demonstrators in Ukhrul demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations pact.
Hundreds of people, including women and elderly citizens, held a 'People's Rally' in the Ukhrul district headquarters on Thursday, according to Telangana Today. The protest sought an end to ethnic violence in Manipur and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The rally was organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul frontal organisations under the United Naga Council (UNC). Participants also called for the termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact, a tripartite agreement involving the Centre, the Manipur government, and various Kuki and Zomi militant outfits.
Protesters used placards to demand that Kuki militants be declared terrorists and called for the Assam Rifles to be withdrawn from Naga-dominated regions. They also raised slogans against Kuki militant groups and demanded an end to an alleged proxy war in the state.
The demonstration followed ethnic clashes between Kuki and Naga communities that began in February this year. These clashes have resulted in more than 50 deaths and the burning of dozens of houses across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts.
Manipur previously experienced violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki community. That conflict resulted in more than 300 deaths, left 49 people missing, and rendered thousands homeless.