Kamjong, November 5: Hundreds of people took to the streets at Kamjong district headquarters on Wednesday as the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), along with Tangkhul frontal organisations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), organised a massive People’s Rally demanding a permanent political solution to the ongoing Manipur crisis. A parallel rally was also held at Ukhrul headquarters, drawing widespread public participation.
In Kamjong, two separate processions commenced from Police Gate and Kamjong High School Gate before converging at Awontang Traffic Point, where participants assembled for the main programme. In Ukhrul, rallyists marched from Awontang Mission Ground and Dungrei Junction before gathering at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground.
The rallies witnessed strong public participation, with protesters raising slogans demanding an end to the alleged arming of Kuki militants, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga areas.
At Kamjong, protesters repeatedly raised slogans including “Arming Kuki Militants – Stop, Stop, Stop,” “Abrogate SoO Agreement,” “Assam Rifles – Go Back” and “Manipur Crisis – Resolve, Resolve,” reflecting their demands and opposition to what they described as continued insecurity and political imbalance in the state.
Addressing the gathering at Kamjong, TNL Legal Advisor Sira Kharay asserted that every nation had fought for its land and rights. Referring to the existing ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the Nagas, he remarked that while a ceasefire was in place, “India is not sleeping.”
He further alleged that the Centre was using Kuki groups as a tool against the Nagas and called upon the people to remain vigilant and united in defending their rights.
“Wake up and stand for our rights. This is the time,” he urged the gathering.
Meanwhile, Tangkhul Shanao Long Vice President Ngamreiphy Zimik read out a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India, submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong district.
The memorandum, titled “Appeal for Recognising Manipur Problem as Historical Problem of Illegal Kuki Immigration and Hill-Valley Disparity,” calls for a permanent political solution to what the signatories describe as longstanding historical and structural imbalances in Manipur.
Among its key demands are the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga areas, an end to the alleged proxy war, revocation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements and restructuring of hill-valley representation. The memorandum also contains serious allegations against Kuki armed groups and security forces. These remain claims made by the signatories and have not been independently verified.
At the parallel rally in Ukhrul, TNL President Sword Vashum questioned how long the people would continue depending on others to safeguard their rights, identity and dignity.
“Are we going to continue begging from others, or must we stand up to protect our dignity?” he asked.
Emphasising the importance of the present juncture, Vashum said the Tangkhul Naga community must assert its identity, defend its rights and remain united in safeguarding the future of coming generations. He also expressed gratitude to the people for their overwhelming participation in the rally.
The simultaneous mobilisation in Kamjong and Ukhrul underscored the collective expression of the Tangkhul Naga community’s concerns over the prevailing political situation, security challenges and demands for a lasting resolution to the Manipur crisis.
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