Naga groups rally in Manipur urging centre to pull out Assam Rifles and end proxy war

What Happened

Naga groups in Manipur staged rallies at the district headquarters of Ukhrul and Kamjong on Thursday. The protests were organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long, the apex body of the Tangkhul Nagas, together with other Tangkhul frontal groups under the United Naga Council. Protestors displayed banners calling for an end to the “proxy war”, withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Naga‑inhabited areas, an end to the alleged arming of Kuki militant groups, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and a terrorist label for those groups. The rally followed a suspected militant firing on passenger vehicles on the Imphal‑Ukhrul highway between TM Kasom and Ukhrul district, which caused panic though no one was hurt.

Reaction

TNL president Sword Vasum criticised the state government for failing to secure even a five‑kilometre stretch of highway, calling it a shame and saying normal life should be possible day and night. He warned that repeated violence has become accepted and that the government’s indifference could hurt both hill and valley communities. Vasum also accused Assam Rifles personnel of not intervening when houses were burnt and gunfire was reported. A memorandum outlining these grievances was handed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Vasum urging the centre to treat it as urgent, not routine. College student Yuimihor Huileng said the prolonged conflict is sowing fear and anxiety among students and could jeopardise the future generation.

Context

The protests reflect long‑standing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where Naga and Kuki groups have been pitted against each other, and highlight concerns over the role of central security forces in local disputes.