Naga groups in Manipur demand Centre's intervention, withdrawal of Assam Rifles
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Naga groups in Manipur on Thursday staged rallies in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, demanding urgent intervention by the Centre to resolve the state's political crisis, end the "proxy war" and withdraw Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas.
The rallies were organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and other Tangkhul frontal organisations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).
The protests came a day after suspected armed militants opened fire on passenger vehicles along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district. No casualties were reported, but the incident on Wednesday evening triggered panic among commuters.
Protesters carried banners and placards demanding an end to the arming of Kuki militant groups, the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the declaration of these groups as terrorist organisations.
Addressing the media, TNL president Sword Vasum criticised the state government for failing to ensure security along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway. He questioned the authorities' inability to guarantee safe movement along a stretch of barely five kilometres.
He also expressed concern over repeated incidents of violence and killings in the state.
Vasum also questioned the role of the Assam Rifles, alleging that personnel stationed near violence-affected areas had failed to intervene during incidents of arson and gunfire.
Following the rally, the Naga groups submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to take their demands seriously.