Imphal, October 31: Meitei and Naga organisations staged rallies across Manipur on Saturday, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups. Thousands of people participated in a major rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in Imphal, while parallel protests were held in several Naga-dominated hill districts.
The Imphal rally began at Tiddim Ground and proceeded towards THAU Ground. The United Naga Council (UNC) endorsed the mobilisation and called upon Naga organisations to organise solidarity rallies and protests in their respective districts.
Protesters carried placards and banners with slogans such as “Save Manipur”, “We want peace and justice” and “Abrogate SoO Pact”. They also demanded protection for indigenous communities and an end to the continuing violence in the state.
Demand for Chief Minister’s resignation
COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren demanded the resignation of the present state government, accusing it of failing to protect the lives and properties of indigenous people.
The rally came days after an ambush targeting 14 Meitei men left three people dead, triggering fresh protests and tensions across the state.
Police erected barricades at Keisampat Junction in Imphal and stopped the march from proceeding towards Lok Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s Office and the BJP state headquarters.
Naga organisations hold parallel protests
The United Naga Council extended its support to the Imphal rally and called for parallel demonstrations across Naga-inhabited districts.
In Chandel, a rally involving 11 Naga tribal groups raised demands for civilian protection, abrogation of the SoO agreement and restoration of peace. Similar protests were also organised in Senapati and other areas.
Naga organisations also demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from border and conflict-affected areas, with some groups suggesting that the Border Security Force or another central force should replace it.
Controversy surrounding the SoO agreement
The Suspension of Operations agreement was signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups. It was intended to suspend hostilities and create conditions for political negotiations.
The agreement covers groups under two umbrella organisations — the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF). Under its ground rules, cadres are required to remain in designated camps and refrain from violence.
The agreement expired on September 4, 2026, and its future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur had earlier rejected demands for its abrogation, maintaining that the SoO framework remains important for political dialogue.
The latest rallies have brought renewed attention to Manipur’s security situation and the continuing political disagreement over the future of the SoO agreement.
