Meitei groups, supported by Naga authorities, hold a rally in Imphal for the abrogation of the SoO ceasefire pact

The umbrella body of Meitei groups organized a massive rally in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Saturday (October 31, 2026) for the protection of indigenous people and the cancellation of the ceasefire agreement (SoO) with militant groups, demands endorsed by several Naga organizations.

Naga civic bodies organized marches in Chandel and Senapati districts in support of the rally by the Coordinating Committee for Integrity of Manipur (COCOMI) in Imphal. Naga organizations have also demanded an end to the agreement and accused Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in the violence.

After the ambush

The rally came days after militants ambushed 14 Meitei men and killed three of them, sparking protests in the state, which has been wracked by ethnic violence since May 2023.

Thousands of people, including those belonging to the Naga community, started their march from Tiddim Ground towards THAU in Imphal West district as part of a rally organized by COCOMI. The apex Naga body – the United Naga Council – supported the rally.

Police set up barricades at Keisampat Junction, just a few hundred meters from the Lok Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s office and the BJP state office, and prevented the rally from proceeding.

The rally participants held up placards and banners reading ‘Save Manipur’ with demands like ‘we want peace and justice’ and ‘Repeal the SoO pact’.

“Government.” he should resign”

“We are seeking the resignation of the present government for its failure to protect the lives and property of the indigenous people of the state. This is a historic assembly. People are raising their voice against anti-indigenous policies and programs,” COCOMI convener Y. Dhiren said.

A protester said, “After three-and-a-half years of crisis in Manipur, Naga tribes, Meiteis and indigenous people are coming together to raise their voice against the government for its policies against the indigenous people of the state. We have suffered enough pain, loss of life and property.” “We have to fight illegal immigrants and narco-terrorism and secure our future,” he said.

In Naga-majority Senapati district, a rally demanded the immediate cancellation of the SoO and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. It was organized by Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) in support of the rally called by COCOMI in Imphal.

UNC President NG Lorho said Nagas across the hill districts have come together to defend their ancestral land. “We are the owners and guardians of our land since time immemorial. We will not give up our ancestral right,” he said.

A similar rally was held in Chandel district demanding Ms. Kipgen’s resignation and cancellation of the SoO agreement.

Manipur has been in the grip of an ethnic conflict between the Meitei communities in the valley and the Kuki in the hills since May 2023, which has left at least 306 dead, with several still missing. Clashes between Kukis and Nagas in the state have led to the death of about 50 people since February this year.

For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in 2023, security forces have taken control of a camp meant to house Kuki-Zo militants as part of a nearly two-decade-old ceasefire and plan to audit all 14 such camps across the state.

The rare takeover followed the discovery that only one of the 159 registered cadres was present at the camp, raising questions about compliance with the SoO agreement, which expired on September 4 without renewal.

The discrepancy raises questions about compliance with one of the agreement’s central terms, that the militants it covers must stay in designated camps and refrain from violence.

The agreement, formally signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo militant groups in August 2008, was intended to suspend hostilities and create conditions for a negotiated political settlement while keeping armed cadres confined to designated camps.

Its origins date back to 2005, when the Indian Army agreed with Kuki militant groups to suspend mutual operations. The pact covers Kuki-Zo militant groups under two umbrella organizations — the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).

According to its basic rules, cadres are required to refrain from violence, stay in designated camps and keep their weapons under prescribed security measures.

This arrangement has been central to the Centre’s efforts to resolve the Kuki-Zo insurgency through negotiations, but its continuation has become increasingly contested since the outbreak of violence in 2023.

In February 2024, the Manipur Assembly passed a resolution demanding the cancellation of the agreement. Naga organizations have also demanded its end and accused Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in the violence.

Published – 31 Oct 2026 15:56 IST