Thousands Join Massive People’s Rally in Ukhrul, Demand Resolution of Manipur Crisis, Withdrawal of Assam Rifles

Thousands of people took to the streets of Ukhrul town on Thursday, staging a massive People’s Rally demanding an urgent political solution to the ongoing Manipur crisis, an end to alleged proxy warfare in the state, and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas.

The rally, organized jointly by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and its frontal organizations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), witnessed massive participation, with people dressed in traditional Tangkhul attire gathering to collectively press their demands before the Government of India.

The procession began from two separate convergence points—Mission Ground and Hundung Junction—before culminating in a unified public gathering at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground.

The formal programme was moderated by Wungnaoshang A. Shimray, former president of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), and commenced with a performance by the UTBC Choir. TNL president Qr. Sword Vashum delivered the welcome address, while activist Ngachonmi Chamroy highlighted the significance of the rally and its demands.

Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, president of the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), formally presented the memorandum outlining the demands of the gathering.

Following the closing prayer led by Rev. Dr. Wungramthan Shongzan, Director of the Tangkhul Theological Association (TTA), civil society leaders led by the TNL president proceeded to submit the memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India.

In its memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Tangkhul Naga Long outlined an 11-point charter, calling for what it described as a permanent political solution to the Manipur crisis through structural and political reforms.

The TNL memorandum alleged that the prolonged turmoil in Manipur was rooted in an imbalance in political representation between the valley and the hill districts.

Citing geographical and demographic disparities, it claimed that the valley, which accounts for approximately 10 per cent of the state's geographical area and 53 per cent of its population, has 40 Assembly constituencies, while the hill areas, accounting for 90 per cent of the geographical area and 47 per cent of the population, have only 19 constituencies.

The apex Tangkhul body demanded a comprehensive restructuring of legislative representation in accordance with constitutional provisions, arguing that the existing arrangement has led to the political marginalization of tribal communities, particularly the Nagas.

Among its other demands, the TNL called on the Centre to recognize the Manipur crisis as a historical and political issue involving alleged illegal Kuki immigration and hill-valley disparities, and to pursue a permanent political settlement by addressing what it described as structural imbalances.

The memorandum also demanded:

• An end to the militarization of Naga areas and withdrawal of Assam Rifles from all Naga-inhabited areas.
• An end to what the organization described as proxy warfare involving Kuki militants.
• Identification and repatriation or deportation of persons it alleges are illegal Kuki immigrants and refugees.
• No separate homeland, administrative arrangement or territorial council for the Kukis that could affect Naga ancestral territories.
• Declaration of several named Kuki militant organizations and their affiliated groups as terrorist organizations.
• Revocation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, along with the disarming and arrest of SoO cadres.
• Relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) away from Naga-inhabited areas.
• Removal of Smt. Nemcha Kipgen from the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
• Cancellation of chieftainship Touzis and village or settlement Pattas and permits that the organization alleges were illegally issued to Kuki immigrants, along with eviction of unauthorized settlements in accordance with law.

The UNC further called for a time-bound process to implement its demands, maintaining that any lasting resolution to the Manipur crisis must address the concerns raised by the Naga community.