SENAPATI/UKHRUL: A public rally in Senapati on Saturday demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, withdrawal of Assam Rifles from border areas and conflict zones, and resignation of Manipur deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The rally, held at Traffic Point under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), was organised by the Senapati District Apex Body, comprising the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA).
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The rally also called for effective implementation of the September 26 tripartite agreement signed in Guwahati among the Government of India, Government of Manipur and UNC, an end to what it described as a proxy war in Manipur, and resettlement of all internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Senapati rally was held in support of the joint mass rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in Imphal on October 31. The UNC had extended its support to the Imphal rally and directed Naga organisations to organise parallel rallies across hill district headquarters.
Addressing the gathering, UNC president NG Lorho said Nagas across the hill districts had united to defend their ancestral land amid the prevailing conflict in Manipur.
“We are the owners and guardians of our land from time immemorial,” he said, asserting that the community would not surrender its ancestral rights.
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Alleging cross-border involvement of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), Lorho described the situation as a threat to India’s national security and indigenous communities in Manipur.
He accused Assam Rifles of acting in a partisan manner in Naga areas, alleging harassment, intimidation and disarming of village volunteers. He said the force had lost public confidence and demanded its withdrawal from border areas and conflict zones, with neutral forces deployed in its place.
On the SoO agreement, Lorho alleged that Kuki militants were using the arrangement to attack Naga villages, displace civilians and occupy ancestral lands.
He also questioned the functioning of SoO-designated camps, claiming that only one cadre was present at Mount Sinai camp against the 150 reportedly required to be stationed there under the ground rules.
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“The Suspension of Operation Agreement has become a licence to kill innocent indigenous people,” he said.
Referring to the abduction and killing of six Naga men, Lorho cited remarks reportedly made by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho on October 28 and alleged the involvement of the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P), headed by Thangboi Kipgen, husband of deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Questioning Nemcha Kipgen’s continuation in office, Lorho alleged a conflict of interest and demanded her immediate resignation.
“How can a lawmaker and a lawbreaker live together?” he said.
Lorho further called for effective implementation of the September 26 tripartite agreement, stating that continued violence had raised questions over the commitments made during the Guwahati talks.
During the rally, the UNC submitted a memorandum addressed to Union home minister Amit Shah through the deputy commissioner of Senapati.
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