Massive Rally in Imphal Demands SoO Abrogation, Safe Return of Displaced Families

IMPHAL- Thousands of people from Meitei, Naga, Pangal, Gorkha and other indigenous communities took part in a large peaceful mass rally in Imphal on Saturday (October 31), demanding an end to what organisers called the Government of India’s “proxy war” in Manipur, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, safe resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and related measures.

HINDI TUTION

The rally was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) jointly with the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTC/JTCM), Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), Naga People’s Union Imphal (NPUI), Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM) and others. It was endorsed by the United Naga Council (UNC) and supported by additional Naga and indigenous bodies. Similar demonstrations or sit-ins were reported in some hill districts.

Also Read- Two Suspected Missing Kuki Villagers Found Dead During Joint Security Operation in Manipur

Participants gathered at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel (Imphal West) and marched through central Imphal areas including Keishampat, Waheng Leikai and Nagamapal before culminating in a public meeting at Thau (THAU) Ground in Thangmeiband. Crowds carried banners and placards reading variations of “End India’s proxy war,” “Abrogate SoO,” and calls for peace, justice and territorial integrity. Schools, colleges and markets remained closed, and security was tightened with barricades and deployments at key points. The procession remained peaceful.

Organisers and reports described the turnout as one of the larger recent mobilisations in the state capital, with large numbers of displaced families also joining. Estimates varied across outlets, ranging from thousands to claims of over one lakh participants.

Also Read- Two Kuki-Zo Youths Missing in Manipur’s Kangpokpi; CoTU Calls 48-Hour Shutdown

Key demands raised at the rally and public meeting included:

• Immediate end to the alleged proxy war and related violence/narco-terrorism.
• Non-extension or full abrogation of the SoO agreement (which had expired on September 24, 2026) with Kuki armed groups, along with dismantling of designated camps.
• Withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the state (particularly border and conflict areas) and better border management.
• Time-bound, safe and dignified resettlement/rehabilitation of all IDPs to their original homes.
• Implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year.
• Political accountability, including calls for the resignation of the state government or specific leaders (such as Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen) over alleged failure to protect indigenous communities.

Also Read- Security Forces Seize AK-Series Rifles, Grenades and Bulletproof Gear in Manipur

Leaders’ statements

COCOMI Convenor Y.K. Dhiren demanded the resignation of the present government, alleging it had failed to protect the lives and properties of indigenous people. He called for an immediate end to what he described as a “proxy war.”

Former COCOMI Convenor and consultative committee member Khuraijam Athouba described the event as a historic show of indigenous unity and “one last stand/call” after more than three years of crisis. He said the Meitei, Naga and other communities shared concerns over security and the future, outlined core demands (end to alleged proxy war and narco-terrorism, Assam Rifles withdrawal, IDP resettlement roadmap, and NRC with 1951 base year), and warned that further steps could follow if unmet.

Also Read- ‘No PFR, No Dam’: Citizens Rally in Itanagar Against Proposed Siang Mega Dam

Naga leaders, including representatives such as Achung Gangmei and FNCC Convenor Ng. Akhiu, endorsed the rally. They alleged indigenous communities were facing a “proxy war,” accused authorities of using certain militant groups against others, and pressed for abrogation of the SoO pact and withdrawal of Assam Rifles. UNC President N.G. Lorho was quoted asserting Nagas’ ancestral rights over land.

At the concluding public meeting, participating organisations adopted resolutions encapsulating these demands and resolved to submit them to the central and state governments for time-bound action. The gathering emphasised unity among indigenous communities for peace with justice and protection of the state’s integrity.

The mobilisation comes amid the prolonged ethnic violence and displacement that began in May 2023, with recent incidents contributing to heightened tensions. Authorities maintained heavy security, and the event concluded without reported major incidents in Imphal.