Archive · 18 Sep 2026
New Manipur Naga-Kuki-Zo Hostilities Revive 1990s Bloodbath Memories
Manipur is facing new fighting between two tribal communities, the Kuki-Zos and the Nagas.
At least 42 civilians have died since March.
The latest trouble began after a small fight between young people in February.
That dispute grew into attacks, house burnings, abductions and killings.
Each community says armed groups from the other side are responsible for some attacks.
Officials have not confirmed who carried out every incident.
The groups disagree about who has ancestral rights to land in the hills.
Many people remember a much larger conflict between them during the 1990s.
Observers say neutral talks involving all sides may be needed to stop the violence.
At least 42 civilians, including 24 Kuki-Zos and 18 Nagas, have been killed since March.
The latest violence spans Naga-majority and Kuki-Zo-majority hill districts, with homes burned and civilians abducted or killed.
The crisis began after a February 7 brawl in Litan escalated into clashes and the burning of 74 houses.
Both communities have accused militants from the other side, while authorities have not officially confirmed responsibility for every attack.
The violence recalls the 1993-1997 Naga-Kuki-Zo conflict and has prompted demands for stronger central intervention and dialogue.
- Who
- The Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, along with alleged armed groups and government authorities, are involved.
- What
- At least 42 civilians have been killed since March amid clashes, arson, abductions and alleged militant attacks.
- When
- The latest escalation followed a February 7 incident and has continued for seven months, with 42 deaths reported since March.
- Where
- The violence has spread across Manipur's hill districts, including Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Kamjong, Tamenglong and Noney.
- Why
- Longstanding disputes over identity, territorial ownership and land laws intensified after a local brawl in Litan.
Naga Perspective
Kuki-Zo Perspective
Land and territorial ownership
Naga Perspective
Naga groups say they are the original inhabitants of the hills and that Naga customary laws should take precedence; some describe Kuki-Zos as later settlers or tenants.
Kuki-Zo Perspective
Kuki-Zos reject the claim that they are tenants and dispute the Naga characterization of their presence and territorial rights.
Responsibility for recent attacks
Naga Perspective
Naga organizations accuse Kuki-Zo militants, including alleged groups from Myanmar, of attacking Naga villages and civilians.
Kuki-Zo Perspective
Kuki-Zo organizations have urged action against Naga outfits and say the latest violence requires decisive central intervention; responsibility for several attacks remains officially unconfirmed.
Security and political response
Naga Perspective
Naga lawmakers and the United Naga Council have sought action against the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki-Zo militants and demanded stronger protection for Naga communities.
Kuki-Zo Perspective
The Kuki-Zo Council has called for President's rule and accused the state government of failing to protect Kuki-Zo communities.
- Latest death toll
- At least 42 civilians have died since March: 24 Kuki-Zos and 18 Nagas.
- Earlier Manipur conflict
- The separate Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict had killed at least 306 people, left 49 missing and displaced about 60,000.
- Initial trigger
- A February 7 brawl in Litan, Ukhrul district, escalated after efforts to settle it under customary law failed.
- Property damage
- Retaliatory clashes after the Litan incident reportedly burned 74 houses across neighboring villages.
- 1990s conflict
- The previous major Naga-Kuki-Zo conflict lasted from 1993 to 1997; Kuki-Zo groups say 1,157 Kuki-Zos were killed, while more than 200 Nagas also died.
- Investigation
- The Union government transferred the investigation into the killings of six Naga men to the National Investigation Agency; four suspects were arrested.
- Political demands
- Naga lawmakers sought action against alleged Kuki-Zo militants, while the Kuki-Zo Council called for President's rule to be reimposed.