Thousands March in Imphal Demanding Manipur Chief Minister's Resignation and Truce Cancellation

Protests in Imphal

Thousands of people marched from Tiddim Ground to THAU ground in Imphal West district on Saturday, October 31, 2026, demanding the Chief Minister's resignation and the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with militant groups. The demonstration was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity and endorsed by the United Naga Council. The march followed a recent ambush by militants that killed three out of 14 Meitei men. Police blocked the rally with barricades near key government offices including the Lok Bhavan and the Chief Minister's Office.

Demands and Background

Protesters carried placards demanding peace, justice, and an end to the truce pact, citing government failure to protect indigenous people. COCOMI convenor Y. Dhiren stated that the rally opposed policies hurting indigenous residents, while a protester noted that ethnic groups are uniting after three-and-a-half years of crisis. Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has caused at least 306 deaths since May 2023, alongside clashes between Kukis and Nagas resulting in about 50 deaths since February. Meanwhile, security forces recently took control of a Kuki-Zo militant camp after finding only one of 159 registered cadres present, prompting plans to audit all 14 such camps.

Context

The Suspension of Operations agreement was signed in August 2008 by the Centre, the Manipur Government, and Kuki-Zo militant groups to suspend hostilities and keep armed cadres in designated camps. The pact's rules require members to avoid violence and stay in camps, but its continuation has faced sharp criticism and a Manipur Assembly resolution in February 2024 seeking its abrogation amid ongoing ethnic conflict.