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Naga-Kuki clashes deepen Manipur conflict crisis

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
  • Apr 23, 2026
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The fragile security situation in Manipur has entered a more volatile phase, with the state’s Naga community increasingly drawn into the ongoing ethnic conflict that was largely between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups for nearly three years.

Tensions escalated on April 21 in Kangpokpi district, where members of Naga and Kuki-Zo communities clashed following a dispute over a road blockade. The blockade was part of a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) to protest the killing of two Naga civilians in an ambush on April 18, allegedly by Kuki militants. When some Kuki youths attempted to remove the blockade, it triggered stone-pelting from both sides, leaving at least one person injured.

Since the outbreak of violence in 2023, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced around 60,000 people, the Nagas had largely stayed away from direct involvement. However, a series of incidents since February has strained relations.

In Ukhrul district, a Tangkhul Naga villager was allegedly assaulted by Kuki-Zo individuals, followed by retaliatory tensions including arson, restrictions, and displacement. Soon after, two Kuki-Zo men went missing, and in a retaliatory episode, 21 Nagas were allegedly held hostage by suspected Kuki militants before being released following central intervention. The missing Kuki men were later found dead, with both sides trading blame.

Relations worsened further after two Tangkhul Naga men, including a former Indian Army personnel, were killed in another ambush. While Naga groups blamed Kuki militants, Kuki-Zo organisations denied involvement.

The UNC has since called for suspension of all social and economic ties with Kuki-Zo communities, terming the attacks a “direct threat” to Nagas. UNC general secretary Ayo Satsang accused the Kuki-Zo groups of repeated provocation, signalling a shift from the Nagas’ earlier stance of non-interference.

Rejecting the allegations, Kuki Inpi Manipur spokesperson Janghaulun Haokip said the community had exercised restraint despite provocations.

Pressure on the government

The rising tensions pose a serious challenge for the two-month-old government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. He has held meetings with leaders from both communities in districts such as Senapati, Ukhrul and Jiribam, aiming to bridge trust deficits.

However, officials caution that resolving a conflict of this scale will take time, pointing to the prolonged Naga-Kuki clashes of the 1990s, which took years to stabilise.

The unrest has also been linked to spillover effects from neighbouring Myanmar, where political instability since the 2021 military coup has led to refugee inflows, arms trafficking and the return of battle-hardened militants into Manipur.

Despite outreach efforts, mistrust persists. Meitei groups such as Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) have criticised the government for failing to restore order, while Naga leaders have accused both state and central authorities of bias.

Territorial faultlines

At the core of the conflict lies competing territorial demands. Kuki-Zo groups have been seeking a separate administrative unit, often referred to as “Kukiland,” covering several hill districts. However, Naga groups argue that these areas overlap with their vision of “Nagalim,” a proposed homeland that includes parts of multiple northeastern states and Myanmar.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah, a key Naga insurgent group, has been in talks with the Centre for decades over this demand.

While Kuki-Zo leaders maintain they are only seeking recognition of their inhabited areas, Naga representatives remain sceptical, fearing territorial encroachment.

Valley unrest continues

Meanwhile, the Meitei-dominated valley remains tense following the killing of two infants in Bishnupur district earlier this month, allegedly in an attack by Kuki militants. The incident has triggered widespread protests, curfews and clashes with security forces.

The case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has arrested five militants linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).

Meitei groups have criticised the government’s response as inadequate and continue to oppose any move to redraw boundaries in response to Kuki demands.

Overall, with Meiteis, Nagas, and Kuki-Zo groups now all entangled in overlapping grievances and territorial claims, Manipur’s crisis appears to be entering an even more complex and volatile phase.