New Delhi: ‘Stop proxy war, save Manipur’, ‘We want peace not proxy war’, and ‘Indigenous people of Manipur want an end to India’s proxy wars’ were some of the posters and banners protesters were carrying as they marched on the streets of Manipur’s capital Imphal Saturday.
Thousands of men and women joined the rally called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over continued violence, protection of indigenous people and scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with militant groups.
The rally was also backed by the Naga apex body and the United Naga Council, but a group of the Tangkhul Naga tribe, represented by the Tangkhul Naga Long decided to stay away from the rally at the eleventh hour.
The rally came on a day three Kuki village volunteers were killed in a gunfight with suspected armed men, in Noney district in the hills. The killings have further escalated the tensions between the two communities involved in conflict since early this year. So far close to 60 people belonging to the two tribal communities have been killed in the clashes between the two.
Protesters started their march from Tiddim Ground towards THAU ground in Imphal West district. “We seek the resignation of the present government for its failure to protect the lives and properties of the indigenous people of the state. This is a historic rally, thousands have joined supporting these demands. People are raising their voice against policies and programmes which are against the indigenous people,” said Y. Dhiren, COCOMI convenor.
“After three-and-a-half years of crisis in Manipur, Naga tribes, Meiteis and the native people are coming together to raise their voice against the government for their policies against the indigenous people of the state. We have endured enough pain, loss of lives and property,” a protester told the media.
Naga civil bodies held a public rally in Chandel district, demanding Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen’s resignation and the abrogation of the SoO.
The SoO agreement was signed by the Centre, the Manipur Government and Kuki-Zo militant groups in August 2008. It was designed to suspend hostilities and create conditions for a negotiated political settlement while keeping armed cadres confined to designated camps. As per the SoO agreement, cadres are required to refrain from violence, remain in designated camps and keep their weapons under prescribed security arrangements.
Further, the protesters also demanded the immediate, safe, dignified and permanent resettlement of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). “The IDPs who have been uprooted from their homes since 3 May 2023 and continue to live in relief camps, temporary shelters and other places of displacement, must be resettled,” read a list of demands of the COCOMI.
The protesters further demanded the removal of Assam Riffles and establishment of a neutral and effective border management, implementation of the NRC and removal of Deputy CM Nemcha Kipchen.
Meanwhile, the Committee of Tribal Unity (CoTU) continued their shutdown and protest in Kangpokpi after two Kuki youth were abducted Wednesday.
In response to the CoTU’s shutdown call, all shops, markets and business establishments have remained closed since Thursday in the Kangpokpi district. Public and private vehicles have stayed off the roads, and movement has been disrupted along major routes and entry points.
Schools, government offices and private establishments have also remained shut. However, CoTU has allowed essential services, including emergency medical operations, media personnel and security forces, to continue functioning.
The CoTU has accused the state administration and security forces of adopting a discriminatory approach. Its representatives have alleged that authorities respond quickly to incidents involving other communities but are slow to act when Kuki-Zo people are targeted.
“For far too long, our people have endured insecurity, intimidation, suffering, and the consequences of unresolved grievances. The continued plight of our people raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding constitutional rights, ensuring equal justice, and restoring confidence in the rule of law,” a statement issued by CoTU said.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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