Ukhrul: Thousands of Nagas took to the streets in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on Thursday, demanding an immediate end to what they described as a ‘proxy war’ and calling for stronger security measures amid continuing violence in the state’s hill districts.
Organised by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul frontal organisations under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), the demonstrations reflected growing public concerns over attacks on civilians, insecurity in border areas and the deteriorating law and order situation.
In Ukhrul, protesters, many dressed in traditional attire, marched from Dungrei Junction and Mission Ground before converging at the Ukhrul headquarters ground for a public meeting.
The protesters raised several demands before the Government of India, including an early resolution to the ongoing political crisis in Manipur, an immediate end to the alleged proxy war and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Naga-inhabited areas.
They also called for the restoration of security along all National Highways and an end to attacks on civilians. Other demands included the repatriation of Kuki refugees, deportation of those they described as illegal immigrants from Naga areas, and an end to the militarisation of Naga territories.
The protesters further sought an equitable resolution of the hill-valley divide by addressing what they termed historical injustices and structural imbalances.
Addressing the gathering, TNL president Sword Vashum thanked the public, particularly the youth, for their participation. He urged young people to remain committed to safeguarding their ancestral land and identity.
Following the meeting, a delegation of civil society organisations led by Vashum submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner. A copy was also submitted to the Manipur Governor, seeking intervention to restore peace and stability in the state.
Speaking at a press conference, Vashum expressed hope that the Centre would treat the memorandum as an urgent representation of the issues confronting Nagas in the hill districts rather than as another routine submission.
In the memorandum, the TNL and other Tangkhul organisations urged the Centre to recognise what they described as the historical roots of the Manipur conflict, including illegal immigration, and seek a permanent political solution to the hill-valley divide and existing structural disparities.
The organisations also claimed that more than 32 Naga civilians had been killed since the outbreak of violence in Manipur. These included six abducted Liangmei Nagas whose mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10, 2026, and Lt. Ajinbou Ringkangmai, whose decapitated body was allegedly found along IT Road in Kangpokpi district on October 10, 2026.
The TNL further alleged that no arrests had been made in connection with these killings, despite the victims’ remains still lying in a mortuary. It also referred to a press conference by the chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on June 25, 2026, claiming that there had been an admission relevant to the killings.
Meanwhile, educational institutions, business establishments and shops remained closed in Ukhrul, while vehicular movement was also disrupted as residents extended support to the protest.
In Kamjong district, demonstrations began at two locations — Police Gate and Kamjong High School Gate — before protesters converged at Awontang Traffic Point. Participants raised concerns over the safety of residents, particularly those living in vulnerable border areas, amid continuing attacks.
The protests came days after a massive rally was held in Imphal on October 31, organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The rally demanded an end to what the organisation described as a proxy war involving Kuki armed militants against indigenous communities.
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