Imphal: Thousands of Nagas staged simultaneous rallies in Manipur's Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on November 5, demanding the Centre's intervention to resolve the state's ongoing political crisis and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas.
The Tangkhul Naga Long and other Tangkhul frontal organisations under the United Naga Council organised the protests. Shops, private institutions and public transport remained shut as demonstrators gathered at Dungrei Junction and Mission Ground before marching to the Ukhrul headquarters ground for a public meeting.
The protesters called for an end to what they described as a proxy war against the Naga community. They also demanded action against alleged arming of Kuki militant groups, the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki outfits and their designation as terrorist organisations. Some placards also called for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The demands included the time-bound repatriation of Kuki refugees, deportation of people the protesters described as illegal immigrants and relocation of internally displaced people from Naga-inhabited areas.
Tangkhul Naga Long president Sword Vasum questioned the state government's failure to ensure security along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway. He asked why safe movement could not be guaranteed even along a stretch of five kilometres and criticised the role of the Assam Rifles.
Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong president Ramreichan Keishing said, "If Assam Rifles are not for the security of the Nagas, then there is no point in keeping them."
The rallies followed a November 4 incident in which passenger vehicles came under fire on the Imphal-Ukhrul highway near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district. No one was injured, but the firing left commuters panicked, officials said.
The Naga organisations submitted a 10-point memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister through the district commissioner, seeking a political settlement and measures to address their security concerns.
The conflict in Manipur began between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023. Tensions later widened to include the Naga community following the assault of a Naga civilian in Ukhrul district in February 2026.
The memorandum also called for intervention to address the wider security situation and restore confidence among communities in the state.
(With inputs from PTI and media reports)