Manipur: Shops shut, public transport off roads showing solidarity as Meitei-Naga groups hold joint rally

Shops, businesses and private institutions remained closed, while public transport stayed off the roads in several parts of Manipur on Saturday, October 31 as people extended support to a massive rally jointly organised by Meitei and Naga civil society organisations in Imphal.

The rally, which brought together organisations representing the two communities, was described by organisers as a significant show of unity among the state's indigenous communities. The protesters called on the Centre to address their demands, including an end to what they termed a proxy war allegedly sponsored by the Indian government, the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and the removal of Assam Rifles from the state.

The rally was jointly organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Joint Tribe Council Manipur (JTC-M), Naga Humanitarian Aids Committee Manipur (NHACM), Foothill Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC), Naga Peoples' Union (NPU), Imphal, and the Inpui Naga Union.

The procession began at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel and proceeded towards THAU Ground in Imphal West, where a public meeting was held. Organisers said lakhs of people attended the meeting, while several others joined the procession from roadsides.

The scale of public participation was also reflected in the support extended by local residents, who distributed water, sweets and energy drinks to protesters along the route.

The United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) also extended their support to the rally by organising simultaneous peaceful sit-in protests at Naga district headquarters from 11 am.

The joint mobilisation marks a significant development in the state's civil society movement, with Meitei and Naga organisations coming together on a common platform to raise concerns over Manipur's future.

Speaking at the rally, FNCC convenor Akhiu described the gathering as historic, saying that Meitei and Naga organisations had rarely mobilised together on such a large scale in the past.

He said Naga organisations had traditionally organised protests in Naga-inhabited hill districts, but the latest mobilisation brought the two communities together over issues they believe threaten the interests and future of Manipur's indigenous population.

Akhiu said the protests were also being held in Naga hill districts under the same theme, adding that the mobilisation was intended to send a message to the Centre that the demands of the state's indigenous communities could no longer be ignored.

The protesters reiterated their demands for an end to the alleged proxy war, the abrogation of the SoO agreement and the removal of Assam Rifles.

Describing the rally as a warning to the Centre, Akhiu called on the government to respond to the demands raised by the participating organisations.

The joint protest comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where questions surrounding security arrangements, armed groups and the state's political future remain contentious issues.

The organisers maintained that the mobilisation reflected a shared determination among participating communities to press their demands through collective action.