A deepening spiral of violence
Thousands gathered in Imphal on Saturday. They demanded protection for indigenous communities. The rally was backed by the Naga United Council. It followed months of escalating ethnic conflict. Over 300 people have died since May 2023. Forty-nine remain missing. The conflict has spread to previously untouched areas.
In February, Naga-Kuki clashes intensified after a local dispute in Litan-Sareikhong. It turned into armed fights across four districts. Authorities imposed a curfew and cut internet access in Ukhrul. On May 13, three Kuki church leaders were ambushed in Kangpokpi. Eighteen Naga civilians were kidnapped that day. Six were killed. Their bodies were found on June 10.
Naga groups blame Kuki-Zo rebel factions. Kuki organizations point to two Naga formations. Recent weeks brought new flare-ups. Last month, Meitei Hindus and Pangal Muslims clashed in Thoubal. One person died and many homes burned. On October 19, unknown attackers shot at Meitei woodcutters on the Imphal East-Kangpokpi border. Three were killed and three injured. Three suspects have been arrested.
The deaths sparked protests in Imphal. Angry residents placed two bodies outside the Chief Minister's residence. They demanded the arrest of the killers. The conflict stems from historical grievances. These include unfair land laws and unequal resource distribution. The demand for Scheduled Tribe status for Meitei was the immediate trigger in 2023.
Many issues trace back to the colonial
Many issues trace back to the colonial era. They remained unresolved after independence. Radical sectors formed rebel groups to seek justice. Since the late 1990s, the government signed ceasefire deals with Naga and Kuki-Zo groups. Most core demands, like autonomous territories, were rejected. Ceasefires were extended repeatedly without a clear roadmap.
However, the government did not renew deals with 25 Kuki-Zo groups after they expired in September 2026. Possible reasons include the October 19 killings and Naga civil society reactions. In August, nine Naga lawmakers asked Home Minister Amit Shah to abrogate these agreements.
The government's response has been inadequate. President's Rule was invoked in February last year and lifted a year later. A new Chief Minister was sworn in with two Vice Ministers. This did little to de-escalate the tense situation. Security forces have been increased in Manipur. More troops may be transferred from Chhattisgarh. Controlling the ethnic conflict requires more than just military presence. A dialogue-based approach is essential.