Organised by COCOMI in coordination with Naga bodies, the mobilisation called for an end to what participants described as a proxy war against indigenous communities and abrogation of SoO agreemebnt Simultaneous solidarity demonstrations were held at Naga district headquarters.
BY PC Bureau
October 31, 2026: Thousands of people took to the streets of Imphal on Saturday in a joint mobilisation organised by Meitei and Naga civil society groups, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur and the safe resettlement of internally displaced families.
The rally, organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) in coordination with several Naga organisations, also called for an end to what the organisers described as a “proxy war” against the indigenous communities of the state. Simultaneous solidarity demonstrations were held at Naga district headquarters following an appeal by the United Naga Council (UNC).
The procession began at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel and was scheduled to pass through Keishampat, Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal and Khoyathong before concluding at THAU Ground in Thangmeiband, where a public convention was planned. Participants carried banners and placards calling for peace, justice, protection of indigenous communities and the scrapping of the SoO agreement.
Police barricades at Keishampat junction, close to the Lok Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s Office and the BJP state headquarters, prevented the procession from advancing along parts of its planned route.
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The rally brought together COCOMI, the Joint Tribes Council Manipur, the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee, the Naga People’s Union, Imphal, the Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur and other organisations. The UNC endorsed the mobilisation and called for simultaneous peaceful sit-ins and solidarity rallies across Naga district headquarters. The Naga Village Chiefs/Headmen Federation South also backed the protest.
Latest Update | Manipur – 31st October 2026
More than 12,000 people joined a massive rally across Manipur today. The rally was organised by COCOMI along with several Naga bodies and other indigenous groups.
People came together to demand peace, protection of indigenous communities, and the restoration of normalcy in the state.
When more than 12,000 people come out on the streets demanding peace and security, will the government finally listen and take concrete action to end this 3-year-long crisis?
— Neha Gurung (@nehaGurung1692) October 31, 2026
Organisers presented the mobilisation as an expression of hill-valley solidarity under the theme “Chingmi-Tammi”. The coming together of Meitei and Naga organisations marked a significant joint political mobilisation amid the prolonged ethnic conflict and growing concerns over security and displacement.
Four principal demands dominated the rally. The organisations called on the Centre to end what they allege is a proxy war against Manipur’s indigenous communities, terminate the SoO agreement with Kuki militant groups, withdraw the Assam Rifles from the state and replace it with another central force, preferably the Border Security Force, and ensure the secure and time-bound return of all internally displaced persons to their original homes.
The demand to scrap the SoO agreement has gained renewed momentum following allegations of violations of its ground rules. COCOMI and participating organisations have cited the recent security operation at the Sinai camp in Kangpokpi district as evidence of shortcomings in the implementation of the agreement. They have questioned the presence and movement of armed cadres outside designated camps and demanded stronger enforcement or termination of the arrangement.
The SoO framework, which was intended to facilitate political negotiations with Kuki armed groups, has become a major point of contention in Manipur. The organisations participating in Saturday’s rally accused the authorities of failing to ensure accountability for alleged violations and argued that the arrangement had not delivered the security promised to communities affected by the conflict. These allegations remain contested and require investigation by the competent authorities.
The rally also reflected anger over the October 19 attack in the Sunurok-Khongbal area, in which three Meitei men were killed in an ambush involving 14 men, according to reports. The killings triggered protests and renewed demands for action against those responsible. Organisers cited the incident as evidence that the security situation remained fragile despite assurances of a return to normalcy.
COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren described the joint mobilisation as significant and called for the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, accusing the state government of failing to protect the lives and property of indigenous people. The organisers said the demands would be conveyed to the Centre through resolutions and memorandums.
The rally also comes against the backdrop of the continuing humanitarian consequences of the violence that began on May 3, 2023. Hundreds have been killed, tens of thousands displaced and homes and public infrastructure destroyed. Many families remain in relief camps or temporary accommodation, unable to return to their original villages because of security concerns and the continuing division between communities.
For the Naga organisations, the protest also provided an opportunity to press their concerns over border security and the deployment of central forces. The UNC and other Naga bodies have argued that the Assam Rifles should be withdrawn, particularly from sensitive border areas, and replaced by a force they consider more neutral.
Saturday’s mobilisation brought together organisations that have often pursued separate political agendas but found common ground on security, the SoO arrangement, the role of central forces and the rehabilitation of displaced people. Whether this convergence can be sustained beyond the rally remains to be seen.
The immediate challenge for the Centre and the state government is to respond to the demands without deepening the divisions in an already fractured state. Ending violence, ensuring accountability, addressing the concerns of all affected communities and enabling displaced families to return safely will remain central to any credible effort to restore lasting peace.
