Hundreds rallied in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, demanding an end to ethnic clashes, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki militant groups and removal of Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen. Organised by Naga groups, the protest also sought the removal of Assam Rifles from Naga-dominated areas.
Hundreds of people took out a rally in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday seeking an end to the ethnic strife in the state, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with militant outfits and removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
During the ‘People’s Rally’ in Ukhrul district headquarters, demonstrators, which included women and the elderly, held placards that read “Abrogate SoO agreement, declare Kuki militants as terrorists” and “Remove Nemcha Kipgen as deputy chief minister”. Kipgen is from the Kuki community.
SoO pact is a tripartite agreement signed between the Centre, the Manipur government and dozens of Kuki and Zomi militant outfits.
They also raised demands of “resolution of the political crisis in Manipur, removal of Assam Rifles from Naga-dominated areas and stopping of proxy war in the state”.