Thousands rally in Imphal as Meitei and Naga groups demand end to Manipur truce deal
Thousands of people marched through Imphal on Saturday, 31 October, in a rare joint rally by Meitei and Naga groups in Manipur, in north-east India. The march was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, known as COCOMI, with support from several Naga civil society groups. Demonstrators walked from Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel to THAU Ground, where a public meeting was held.
The main demand was the immediate end of the Suspension of Operations agreement, known as SoO, with Kuki militant groups. Signed in August 2008, the deal was meant to pause fighting while talks took place. Its term expired on 4 September without being renewed, and protesters say it has failed to stop violence. They also called for the Assam Rifles force to leave Manipur, and for displaced families to be allowed to return home soon.
The rally followed an ambush days earlier in which three of a group of 14 Meitei men were killed. COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren told the gathering that the state government had failed to protect lives and property, and he called for it to resign. In Senapati and Chandel districts, Naga groups held their own rallies, demanding the same end to the SoO deal and the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. Police put up barricades near the Chief Minister’s Office and stopped the main march from going further.
Why it matters
The rally matters because Meitei and Naga groups, who have often been on different sides, marched together with shared demands. That unity puts new pressure on the state and central governments, which have faced repeated calls to end the SoO deal since ethnic violence began in May 2023. The deal covers 23 Kuki groups, with 2,266 fighters listed in designated camps, and questions about it grew after security forces found only one of 159 registered fighters at one camp.
What happens next
The organisers are expected to send their demands to the central government in New Delhi. The key question now is whether the government will formally end the SoO agreement, change the security arrangements in Manipur, or set out a clear plan for displaced families to return. Until then, protesters say they will keep up the pressure.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://hiindia.com/meitei-naga-groups-join-hands-in-massive-manipur-rally-demand-soo-abrogation-dy-cms-resignation/ (IANS via Hi India, 31 October 2026)
- https://tezzbuzz.com/thousands-rally-in-imphal-seeking-protection-for-indigenous-people-scrapping-of-soo-pact/ (Tezzbuzz, 31 October 2026)
