Nagas in Manipur Demand Political Solution, Withdrawal of Assam Rifles Personnel

: Thousands of people took part in simultaneous mass rallies at the district headquarters of Ukhrul and Kamjong on Thursday, November 5, 2026, demanding an early resolution to the prolonged political crisis in Manipur. The demonstrations were organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long and its affiliated frontal organisations under the United Naga Council (UNC) , urging the Central government to intervene and address the prevailing instability in the state. In Ukhrul, protesters assembled at Dungrei Junction and Mission Ground before marching towards Headquarters Ground, where a public meeting was held. A similar rally was organised at the Kamjong district headquarters, drawing participants from neighbouring border areas. Carrying placards and raising slogans, the demonstrators appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and facilitate a lasting political solution to the crisis. Their demands included scrapping the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, removing Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office and withdrawing Assam Rifles personnel from Naga ancestral lands. They called for the deployment of neutral central forces in place of the paramilitary force. The organisers cited declining public confidence in the Assam Rifles and alleged that the force’s presence was linked to ongoing proxy warfare in the region. Community leaders said Naga organisations had chosen to conduct independent democratic demonstrations rather than participate in joint protests with groups from the Manipur valley, underlining their decision to pursue their demands through a separate platform. Following the rallies, representatives submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister through the respective district Deputy Commissioners. The organisers also pledged to continue peaceful democratic mobilisation until the Central government responds to their demands and takes steps towards addressing the political concerns raised by the Naga community.