The growing opposition to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gained significant momentum as thousands of Tangkhul women, a prominent Naga ethnic group, took to the streets in a powerful rally. Organized by the Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tangkhul Katamnao Long, the demonstration called for the revocation of AFSPA, the restoration of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and an end to the militarization of Naga territories.
By PC Bureau
New Delhi
As thousands of Tangkhul women, of Naga origin, took part in a rally against the imposition of AFSPA, the revocation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), and the border fencing project encroaching on Naga territory, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) expressed suspicion about the Government of India’s actions. They accused the government of launching an undeclared war against the Meiteis, using military might and imposing martial law.
The Tangkhul are part of the larger Naga ethnic group, alongside tribes such as the Ao, Angami, and Sema from Nagaland, as well as other Naga tribes in Manipur.
Speaking at a press briefing, COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba addressed the unfolding situation in Jiribam and the reimposition of AFSPA in six new areas of Manipur. Athouba condemned the attack by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists on security forces in broad daylight in Jiribam on November 11, which also resulted in the abduction of three women and three children. He questioned the Indian Army’s failure to locate and rescue the abducted civilians, despite the extensive intelligence network at their disposal.
Athouba also referenced the objections raised by certain Kuki groups regarding the proposal to conduct DNA tests on the 10 Kuki militants recently killed by security forces. He argued that these objections pointed to the involvement of mercenary forces and proxy armies from Myanmar in the ongoing conflict against the Meiteis.
Athouba criticized the Government of India for engaging in talks with Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, accusing the Centre of legitimizing hostility. He emphasized that rescuing the abducted women and children should be the top priority for the government, warning that the people of Manipur would not forgive the government if the hostages were not freed.
On the reimposition of AFSPA, Athouba questioned the justification for reinstating the “draconian and inhumane” law. He noted that there had been no indication that Central forces were halting the aggression of Kuki militants, even in areas where AFSPA is enforced. Instead, he suggested the law may have been used to target Meitei village volunteers, who, he pointed out, have not fired a single shot at security forces since the crisis began in May last year.
In contrast, Athouba highlighted that Kuki militants had killed 14 personnel from Central and State forces during the unrest. He raised the question of whether the Centre’s actions, including the reimposition of AFSPA, were part of an undeclared war against the Meiteis and demanded that the government clarify its motives.
COCOMI has announced plans to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through the Chief Minister, urging immediate action to ensure the safe release of the six abducted civilians and address the rising tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, in Urukhul, located 80 km from Imphal, thousands of women took to the streets to strongly oppose the reimposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
According to a report in Sangai Express, a newspaper published from Imphal, Â Neingolu Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), commended the unwavering role of Naga women in strengthening the Naga political movement. He emphasized that the Indo-Myanmar border did not exist within the Naga homeland and warned that the forceful imposition of policies dividing the Naga family would have serious repercussions. Krome asserted that Nagas across all regions are equally prepared to resist any repressive policies by the Indian Government.
Highlighting the militarization of Naga territories, he accused the Indian Government of widespread atrocities, including killings, torture, and the sexual assault of women by Central forces, with no accountability or punishment for the perpetrators. Krome also revealed that the NPMHR has called on the Government of India to appoint a new Interlocutor for the Indo-Naga peace talks to ensure an amicable resolution of political issues.
Priscilla Thiumai, President of the Naga Women Union Manipur, strongly opposed the revocation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the imposition of AFSPA, which she described as measures disguised as efforts to control illegal immigration and curb drug trafficking. She declared that Nagas desire peace, not militarization, in their homeland.
Priscilla highlighted that 40% of Nagas live in Myanmar and 60% in India, and criticized the revocation of FMR as a deliberate attempt to divide the Naga people across borders. She questioned the large-scale deployment of military forces in Naga territories, particularly in Kamjong and Tengnoupal districts, when the conflict primarily involves the Kuki and Meitei communities. She reiterated that Nagas are a free people who have never been under political domination.
Vareiyo Shatsang, Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC), cautioned that failing to address the demands of the Nagas in a timely manner would cause irreparable damage to the hard-earned peace process.
Rally participants carried placards with slogans such as:
- “Settle Indo-Naga political issues right now.”
- “No bifurcation of Naga land.”
- “Government of India: stop delay tactics.”
- “Repeal AFSPA.”
- “Respect human rights.”
The Tangkhul women collectively pledged to work for peace and safeguard women’s rights.
The rally saw participation from Naga delegations across borders, including leaders from apex organizations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation, United Naga Council, All Naga Students Association Manipur, Naga Mother Association, Eastern Naga Women Organization, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Global Naga Forum, and the Tangkhul Naga Cultural & Literary Committee Myanmar. It was jointly organized by the Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tangkhul Katamnao Long.
