Nagas Organise Massive Rallies In Manipur, Call For End To ‘Proxy War’ And Assam Rifles’ Withdrawal

Nagas Stage Protests In Manipur, Seek Centre’s Intervention To End Violence And Withdraw Assam Rifles

Naga organisations in Manipur on Thursday held large-scale demonstrations at the district headquarters of Ukhrul and Kamjong, urging the Centre to intervene in the state’s prolonged political crisis, put an end to what they described as a “proxy war” and remove Assam Rifles personnel from Naga-dominated areas.

The protests were led by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex organisation representing the Tangkhul Nagas, along with other Tangkhul frontal bodies under the banner of the United Naga Council (UNC).

The demonstrations followed a firing incident on Wednesday evening, when suspected armed militants reportedly targeted passenger vehicles travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul highway near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district. No injuries or deaths were reported, but the incident caused panic among commuters.

Protesters carried banners and placards calling for an end to the alleged supply of arms to Kuki militant groups. They also demanded the scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the designation of these groups as terrorist organisations.

Naga organisations have repeatedly alleged that the Manipur government is using Kuki militants against other communities. They have called on both the state and Central governments to stop what they describe as violence targeting indigenous communities.

Addressing reporters, TNL president Sword Vasum criticised the state government over its inability to provide adequate security on the Imphal–Ukhrul highway. He questioned how authorities could fail to ensure safe passage for commuters along a stretch of just five kilometres.

“If the government cannot ensure absolute security along a stretch of hardly five kilometres, it should be a matter of shame. People should be able to travel freely, day and night,” Vasum said.

He expressed concern over the repeated incidents of violence and killings in the state, observing that situations that should be considered abnormal were increasingly being accepted as routine.

“What should otherwise be treated as abnormal is now being treated as normal here in Manipur. This is the most unfortunate part,” he said.

Vasum warned that the government’s failure to address the crisis could have serious consequences for people living in both the hill and valley regions.

He also raised questions about the role of Assam Rifles, alleging that its personnel, despite being deployed near conflict-affected locations, had failed to respond when houses were set on fire and gunshots were heard.

Following the rally, the protesting organisations submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent action on their demands.

Vasum appealed to the Centre to take the memorandum seriously rather than treating it as another routine representation, stressing that the issues raised required immediate attention.

The prolonged unrest has also taken a toll on young people. Yuimihor Huileng, a college student who joined the protest, said the continuing conflict had left students and other youths facing fear, anxiety and uncertainty.

He warned that if instability persisted, it could threaten not only the lives and prospects of the present generation but also the future of young people in Manipur.