Protesters Demand Immediate Intervention from Central Government

Thousands of people gathered in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on Thursday, November 5, demanding urgent action from the Central government to address the continuing political crisis in the state. The demonstrators also called for an end to alleged proxy warfare and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited territories.

The protests were organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and its affiliated organisations under the leadership of the United Naga Council (UNC). In Ukhrul district headquarters, participants initially assembled at Dungrei Junction and Mission Ground before coming together at HQ Ground for a public meeting. A similar demonstration took place in Kamjong district headquarters.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, protesters urged the Government of India to find a lasting and inclusive political solution to the prolonged unrest. They also demanded an end to alleged armed provocations and called for strict implementation of ground rules governing armed groups.

Another major demand concerned the removal of Assam Rifles from Naga ancestral areas, with protesters seeking their replacement by neutral central forces. Organisers pointed to declining public confidence and recent tensions surrounding the force’s deployment.

The TNL and its constituent organisations held separate demonstrations instead of joining proposed joint movements involving valley-based groups.

Addressing the gathering, community leaders vowed to continue peaceful democratic protests until concrete steps are taken to restore peace, safeguard territorial integrity and address Naga political aspirations.