With the latest killings in Kamjong and Senapati, the death toll in clashes between Nagas and Kukis since the recast BJP government took over Manipur in February has risen to over 50, marking a dangerous shift away from the Meitei-Kuki conflict that defined Manipur since May 2023.
This cycle is distinct. As a Manipur Police officer explains, "When Meitei-Kuki clashes began, communities got geographically separated within months. Kukis withdrew to hills, Meiteis to valley. So buffer zone was created and security forces placed there. It is not so in Naga-Kuki clashes. In the hills, populations are mixed. It is nearly impossible to guard every village."
The geography is Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati and Kangpokpi — with roads and highways themselves becoming conflict theatres. Security agencies must manage not only gunfights but disruption of supplies and movement.
The trigger history traces back. On March 11, 21 Nagas were "abducted" near Mongbung Chephu and released after negotiations. Same day, bodies of two Kuki men suspected abducted by Naga volunteers were recovered in Sirarakhong. Gunfights followed in Sinaikeithel, Mongkot Chephu, and by late April violence spread to Mullam and Shongphel with armed groups based in Myanmar widening the conflict. The killing of three Kuki church leaders in Kangpokpi on May 13, and subsequent killing of six Naga men abducted from Leilon Vaiphei, became a rallying point for Naga civil society.
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Security establishment says the conflict cannot be understood solely through Naga-Kuki hostility. An economic contest over illicit drug trade may be sustaining violence. Until recently, Moreh in Tengnoupal was principal transit point for narcotics entering Manipur. Since 2023, Moreh is under Kuki control, with disruption of access to Imphal affecting trafficking chains. While routes through Kamjong have emerged as alternative, it is predominantly Naga area. "So there is now competition between groups over access, routes and money," a security officer says, with proximity to Myanmar border strengthening suspicion of cross-border militant and trafficking networks.
Political attempts failed. Church leaders from Mizoram and Nagaland brought Kuki and Naga representatives to Aizawl in July. The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee and Nagaland Joint Christian Forum initiative did not translate into direct political dialogue. Accusations fly: Kuki groups accuse Nagas of ignoring peace overtures, citing apology for killing of six Naga men in May rejected. Naga side — United Naga Council (UNC) — blames Kuki militant groups and links dialogue failure to leadership intent.
The decision to have two Deputy CMs — Nemcha Kipgen for Kuki-Zos and Losii Dikho for Nagas — intended to manage competing interests, but they have emerged as opposing voices. UNC's economic blockade of highways through Naga-dominated Senapati, suspended September 26 after meeting between UNC, Union Home Ministry and Manipur government, underlined the electoral dimension with Assembly polls due early next year.
Tags: #ManipurViolence #NagaKukiClash #Ukhrul #Kamjong #DrugTrade #UNC #KukiZo #MyanmarBorder #InternalSecurity #Northeast