Thousands of nagas rally for Indo-Naga political resolution in Manipur districts

Thousands of Nagas hailing from various corners of Manipur’s Ukhrul and Senapati districts gathered for a massive rally organised by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing Nagas in the state, on Wednesday.

The “Naga Peoples Rally” commenced at 10:30 am in Naga-inhabited areas across Manipur, as Nagas expressed their fervent desire to find a resolution to the long-standing Indo-Naga political issue based on the Framework Agreement.

Reports suggest that the rally, a demonstration of Nagas’ yearning for a decisive solution, saw a remarkable participation of over 13,000 Tangkhul Nagas from diverse walks of life. Commencing from two separate points – Mission Ground, Hunphun, and Dungrei Junction, Hungpung – the participants eventually converged at the Mini Secretariat, where a brief program took place.

Reports highlighted simultaneous rallies in other Naga-inhabited districts including Chandel, Senapati, and Tamenglong. The demonstrators showcased placards bearing slogans like ‘PM Modi walk the talk’, ‘stop playing divisive politics’, ‘GOI respect Naga nation implement framework agreement’, and ‘we demand political solution’.

In an official declaration, the UNC emphasised that substantial advancements have been achieved in the Naga peace discussions with the government, exemplified by the momentous signing of the Framework Agreement between the Centre and NSCN-IM eight years ago. Nonetheless, the prolonged delay in finalizing the ‘Final Agreement’ is raising apprehensions and holds the risk of derailing the ongoing peace negotiations, the UNC conveyed.