Manipur’s Ukhrul witnesses rally against ethnic strife, Kuki militant groups

Hundreds rallied in Manipur's Ukhrul district, demanding an end to ethnic violence, abrogation of the SoO pact with militant outfits and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. Protesters also sought the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-dominated areas

Ukhrul: Hundreds of people took out a rally in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday, seeking an end to the ethnic strife in the State, the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with militant outfits and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.

During the ‘People’s Rally’ in the Ukhrul district headquarters, demonstrators, including women and elderly people, held placards that read, “Abrogate the SoO agreement, declare Kuki militants as terrorists” and “Remove Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister”. Kipgen belongs to the Kuki community.

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The SoO pact is a tripartite agreement signed between the Centre, the Manipur government and dozens of Kuki and Zomi militant outfits.

The demonstrators also demanded a resolution to the political crisis in Manipur, the removal of Assam Rifles from Naga-dominated areas and an end to the alleged proxy war in the State.

They also raised slogans against Kuki militant groups.

The rally was organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), along with Tangkhul frontal organisations, under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).

A similar rally was also held in neighbouring Kamjong district.

More than 50 people have been killed and dozens of houses burnt across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts since ethnic clashes broke out between the Kuki and Naga communities in February this year.

Manipur had earlier witnessed ethnic violence between the Meiteis, based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, based in the adjoining hills. More than 300 people were killed in the violence, 49 remained missing and thousands were rendered homeless.