Meitei and Naga groups hold rally in Manipur demanding SoO pact scrap
Protesters in Imphal and other districts called for the resignation of the state government and the termination of the agreement with Kuki-Zo militants.
Thousands of people from the Meitei and Naga communities held a rally in Imphal on Saturday, October 31, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. According to Deccan Chronicle, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) organised the march from Tiddim Ground towards THAU ground in Imphal West district.
The rally was endorsed by the United Naga Council and other Naga organisations. Naga civil bodies also held marches in Chandel and Senapati districts to support the movement. Participants carried placards demanding the protection of indigenous people, the withdrawal of Assam Rifles, and the resettlement of internally displaced persons.
COCOMI convenor Y Dhiren said the group seeks the resignation of the present government due to its failure to protect the lives and properties of indigenous people. In Senapati district, protesters also demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The protests follow an ambush in the Sunurok hills on October 19, where three Meitei men were killed. The SoO agreement, signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo militant groups, expired on September 4 without renewal.
Naga organisations have accused Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in violence. Security forces have recently taken control of one camp meant for Kuki-Zo militants and plan to audit 14 such camps across the state.