Imphal: Indigenous communities across Manipur staged a war cry demonstration on October 23 to protest the state’s ongoing conflict. The Federation of Haomei organized the event, which ran from 7.30 pm to 8 pm. Participants gathered at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao and other indigenous areas. They beat drums, banged utensils against poles, and shouted slogans to vent their frustrations.
Men, women, and children joined the noise. They demanded the government scrap the Suspension of Operations agreement and update the National Register of Citizens. Protesters also called for the deportation of foreigners and an end to what they labeled a divide-and-rule policy. They blocked any talk of separate administration for the state and demanded militants stop moving freely in the hills.
Federation of Haomei secretary general Vicisy Shimrey said the protest served a purpose. "The war cry was a traditional form of expression through which indigenous people conveyed their anguish, dissatisfaction and suffering." Shimrey argued the state has suffered for over three years while authorities stalled on peace efforts. He warned of a demographic imbalance and insisted officials must address illegal immigration before starting a new census.
Hera Kabui, another demonstrator, urged the Centre and state government to stop playing vote-bank politics. He pushed for immediate action to protect indigenous interests. Kabui asked the public to speak out, noting the grim future awaiting coming generations if the current crisis remains ignored.
Updated at 24th October 2026 at 1:48am
The demonstration turned volatile in the capital. Thousands flooded five valley districts to vent their anger, with a massive crowd pushing toward the historic Kangla Fort. Security forces blocked protesters at Palace Compound, Moirangkhom, and Keisampat junctions, but the situation boiled over when people reached the fort's main gate. Officers fired several rounds of tear gas to break up the gathering.
Protesters ramped up the noise across Imphal, using hammers to strike electric poles while motorists joined in by honking their horns throughout the city.
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